Lemmon, SD: 1 Violation — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
If you're checking Lemmon, SD tap water safety, the short answer is: average — violations are present in parts of the city and specifics depend on which water system serves your address.
How Lemmon Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Lemmon Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 1 violation in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 87% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.89 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Lemmon
Multiple utilities divide Lemmon, SD's water service — 2 leading providers among 2 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Lemmon, South Dakota, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,963 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lemmon: C (66/100)
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
Lemmon water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57638 | C | 1 | 0 | Perkins County Rural Water |
All ZIP Codes in Lemmon
- 57638 [C] — 1 violation
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.
Health Outcomes in Lemmon
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
Top Contaminants in Lemmon Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Lemmon
With 87% 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
Housing age is one of the most reliable proxies for plumbing-era lead risk, because two federal milestones — the widespread use of lead pipes before 1970 and the continued use of lead solder until 1986 — define the highest-risk tiers of the residential housing stock. With a median build year of 1953, Lemmon falls squarely within the older range — meaning a large fraction of the housing was built under the plumbing standards of those earlier eras. The distribution above captures where that risk concentrates, and why older neighborhoods warrant particular attention from residents concerned about tap water quality.
Over half of homes in Lemmon were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Lemmon Homeowners
Viewed from a financial planning lens, Lemmon sits in the moderate remediation-share tier — the equity impact of addressing documented issues is real, and deliberate preparation separates smooth outcomes from disruptive ones for most homeowners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Lemmon. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 48% below the South Dakota average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Lemmon
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 87% of Lemmon stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Lemmon
- 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. Filters rated for Consumer Confidence Report Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Lemmon's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 87% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Lemmon, SD