Ideal, SD Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to SD averages, Ideal scores below the baseline — health violations appear more frequently than the norm and the city's grade reflects that ongoing shortfall.
How Ideal Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Ideal Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 41% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.67 — above typical levels.
Ideal's Water Providers
A single utility carries the primary residential water load in Ideal, SD — the dominant provider across 1 federally tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ideal, South Dakota (population ~149), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 4,860 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ideal — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ideal: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Ideal water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Ideal
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57541 | D | TRIPP COUNTY WATER USER DISTRICT | 4,860 |
All ZIP Codes in Ideal
- 57541 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Ideal Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Ideal Infrastructure Age
With 41% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Reading the housing data for Ideal, with a median build year of 1998, reveals a community where neither old nor new construction dominates. That balanced profile means lead-solder-era plumbing is present throughout a meaningful portion of the residential inventory — with risk concentrated in properties built before 1986 and most acute in those that predate 1970.
Most homes in Ideal were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Ideal: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Households with kids in the home — for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure — face a specific local picture in Ideal. 41% of homes here come from the pre-rule era, and aggregate utility samples either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L. A baseline draw-test kit and certified lead-removal filtration are available via retailer networks for households confirming conditions at a specific tap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Ideal
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 41% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ideal, SD