Exceeds EPA Limit Nitrate EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Nitrate in Box Elder, SD Drinking Water

Nitrate data for Box Elder, South Dakota · 14,000 residents · 1 ZIP code

Over the past reporting period, water systems in Box Elder, South Dakota have recorded Nitrate at detectable concentrations in EPA compliance samples.

10 mg/L (as nitrogen)
EPA MCL
5
EPA Violations
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Nitrate in Box Elder Tap Water

Box Elder, South Dakota has 5 EPA violations related to nitrate in drinking water.

This analysis covers 14,000 residents across 1 ZIP code in Box Elder.

Box Elder's overall water quality grade is C (66/100).

Is Nitrate in Box Elder Water Safe?

Nitrate levels in parts of Box Elder 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 Box Elder

Date Violation Type Status ZIP Code
2025-07-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 57719
2025-04-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 57719
2022-04-01 Nitrate (Resolved) Resolved 57719
2022-01-01 Nitrate (Resolved) Resolved 57719
2021-10-01 Nitrate (Resolved) Resolved 57719

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 Box Elder 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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