Saint Francis, SD Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water data for Saint Francis, SD shows a low safety grade — health-based violations appear across a meaningful share of service areas in current EPA records.
How Saint Francis Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Saint Francis Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 63% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 19.21 — above typical levels.
Saint Francis's Water Providers
Most residential addresses in Saint Francis, SD are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Saint Francis, South Dakota, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,457 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Saint Francis — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Saint Francis: 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
Saint Francis water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Saint Francis
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57572 | D | WHITE RIVER | 533 |
All ZIP Codes in Saint Francis
- 57572 [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.
Saint Francis 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
Saint Francis Infrastructure Age
With 63% 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 age data for Saint Francis — median build year 1989 — the overriding implication is that the plumbing materials inside a typical home here reflect pre-1986 construction standards. In practical terms, that means lead-soldered copper joints are common across much of the housing stock. Where those materials are present, water can leach lead as it moves through joints — a pathway that corrosion control treatment under federal rules is designed to reduce, though it cannot eliminate lead risk where the plumbing materials themselves contain lead.
Over half of homes in Saint Francis 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Saint Francis
At current valuations, Saint Francis falls in the moderate remediation-share tier — a level where treating this as a budgeted line item rather than an ad-hoc expense is the practical approach.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Saint Francis. The estimated $0–$800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 80% below the South Dakota average.
Saint Francis: 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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 63% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Saint Francis.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Saint Francis
- 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 63% 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 Saint Francis, SD