Wagner, SD: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Wagner tap water shows a mixed record for SD — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Wagner Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Wagner Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 71% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.59 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Wagner
Multiple utilities divide Wagner, 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 Wagner, South Dakota (population ~3,335), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 7,738 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Wagner — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Wagner: 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
Wagner 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57380 | C | RANDALL COMMUNITY WATER DISTRICT | 6,248 |
All ZIP Codes in Wagner
- 57380 [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 Wagner
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 Wagner's Housing Stock?
With 71% 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
The character of Wagner's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1979 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Wagner 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.
Wagner: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Wagner sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Wagner are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% below the South Dakota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Wagner
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 71% of Wagner 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 Wagner
- 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 71% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Wagner, SD