Exceeds EPA Limit Nitrate EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Nitrate in Black Hawk, SD Drinking Water

Nitrate data for Black Hawk, South Dakota · 7,329 residents · 1 ZIP code

In Black Hawk, South Dakota, Nitrate has been detected in the public water supply — a contaminant that health agencies track because of documented effects associated with prolonged exposure at elevated concentrations.

10 mg/L (as nitrogen)
EPA MCL
1
EPA Violations
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05

Nitrate in Black Hawk Tap Water

Black Hawk, South Dakota has 1 EPA violation related to nitrate in drinking water.

This analysis covers 7,329 residents across 1 ZIP code in Black Hawk.

Black Hawk's overall water quality grade is B (82/100).

Is Nitrate in Black Hawk Water Safe?

Nitrate levels in parts of Black Hawk exceed the EPA MCL of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or ion exchange filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

EPA Violations for Nitrate in Black Hawk

Date Violation Type Status ZIP Code
2021-07-01 Nitrate (Resolved) Resolved 57718

Health Effects of Nitrate

  • Methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome") in infants under 6 months
  • Increased risk of colorectal and bladder cancer (long-term)
  • Thyroid disease from chronic exposure
  • Possible reproductive effects

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.

How Nitrate Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Agricultural fertilizer runoff
  • Animal feedlot operations and manure
  • Septic system leachate
  • Urban stormwater and wastewater discharge

What to Do About Nitrate in Black Hawk Water

  1. Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for nitrate removal
  2. Ion exchange systems designed for nitrate can also work
  3. Standard carbon filters do NOT remove nitrate
  4. Boiling water increases nitrate concentration — never boil for nitrate

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for nitrate removal.

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