Wentworth, SD: High Radon Risk — 45/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water compliance in Wentworth, SD ranks below average — documented gaps in multiple service areas.
How Wentworth Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Wentworth Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 51% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.99 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Wentworth
3 independent water providers serve Wentworth, SD — 4 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Wentworth, South Dakota (population ~1,237), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 15,777 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Wentworth — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Wentworth: 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
Wentworth water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Wentworth
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57075 | D | Kingbrook I Rural Water System | 6,455 |
All ZIP Codes in Wentworth
- 57075 [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 Wentworth
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 Wentworth's Housing Stock?
With 51% 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
Because the majority of Wentworth's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1984 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Wentworth 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.
Wentworth: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Wentworth is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Wentworth are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,000–$4,000 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 146% above the South Dakota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Wentworth
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.
Routinely in Wentworth, where 51% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Wentworth
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Wentworth has accumulated 45 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Wentworth has a moderate flood history with 45 FEMA claims averaging $36,047 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>$3,000</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 Wentworth
- 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 51% 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 Wentworth, SD