Nemo, SD Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Nemo shows moderate tap water quality for SD — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Nemo Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Nemo Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 36% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.96 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Nemo
With one provider handling most of Nemo's residential supply in SD, water service accountability is concentrated in a single utility among the 1 system on record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Nemo, South Dakota (population ~393), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,075 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Nemo — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Nemo: C (63/100)
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
Nemo water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Nemo
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57759 | C | NORTHDALE SANITARY DISTRICT | 1,075 |
All ZIP Codes in Nemo
- 57759 [C]
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.
CDC Health Data for Nemo
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
How Old Is Nemo's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Reading the housing data for Nemo, with a median build year of 1992, 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 Nemo 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.
Nemo: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Nemo, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Nemo are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 171% above the South Dakota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Nemo
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.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 36% of Nemo stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Nemo
Nemo's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 1 NFIP claim on record and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Nemo has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $3,945 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Nemo
- 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 36% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Nemo, SD