Salem, SD: Lead Above EPA Limits — 45/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Salem reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in SD — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Salem Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Salem Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.028 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 72% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $6,720 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.74 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Salem
Water delivery in Salem, SD is handled by 3 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 5 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Salem, South Dakota (population ~1,792), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 17,603 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Salem — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Salem: D (45/100)
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
Salem water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0280 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57058 | D | Kingbrook I Rural Water System | 6,455 |
All ZIP Codes in Salem
- 57058 [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.
CDC Health Data for Salem
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 Salem's Housing Stock?
With 72% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Salem's median build year of 1978 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Salem 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.
Salem: Remediation Cost in Perspective
What does the elevated remediation share mean for Salem homeowners financially? A serious commitment — one that calls for structured planning rather than an ad-hoc response.
At 3.4% of home value, remediation costs in Salem represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,480–$9,060. Home values here are 14% above the South Dakota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Salem
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 draw-test kit is how individual households confirm what the aggregate already signals: utility readings beyond the regulatory benchmark together with 72% pre-rule stock in Salem.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Salem
Flood risk in Salem occupies the middle ground: 5 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Salem has a moderate flood history with 5 FEMA claims averaging $11,475 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>$6,720</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 Salem
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 72% 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 Salem, SD