2026 Rankings

Least Reliable Water Systems in South Dakota — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

392 ZIP codes ranked by Reliability Score #1: ZIP 57722 (Buffalo Gap, SD) - 19/100

Out of 392 ZIP codes with data in South Dakota, these are the lowest-ranked areas for reliability score. See also: National Least Reliable Water Systems in America | All South Dakota Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 392
Lowest value 19/100
Median value 75/100
State South Dakota

100 Lowest-Ranked ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Reliability Score Safety Score
1 57722 Buffalo Gap SD 19/100 77/100
2 57645 Morristown SD 22/100 69/100
3 57243 Henry SD 32/100 66/100
4 57456 Leola SD 32/100 61/100
5 57783 Spearfish SD 32/100 74/100
6 57799 Spearfish SD 32/100 78/100
7 57735 Edgemont SD 36/100 76/100
8 57078 Yankton SD 37/100 64/100
9 57321 Canova SD 37/100 62/100
10 57434 Conde SD 37/100 69/100
11 57040 Lesterville SD 40/100 56/100
12 57227 Corona SD 40/100 66/100
13 57322 Carpenter SD 40/100 44/100
14 57719 Box Elder SD 40/100 66/100
15 57762 Nisland SD 40/100 73/100
16 57266 Summit SD 43/100 57/100
17 57015 Chancellor SD 45/100 64/100
18 57236 Garden City SD 45/100 64/100
19 57239 Grenville SD 45/100 68/100
20 57263 South Shore SD 45/100 48/100
21 57270 Veblen SD 45/100 64/100
22 57349 Howard SD 45/100 62/100
23 57452 Java SD 45/100 64/100
24 57568 Presho SD 45/100 68/100
25 57623 Dupree SD 45/100 81/100
26 57791 Wasta SD 45/100 81/100
27 57793 Whitewood SD 45/100 79/100
28 57552 Midland SD 47/100 82/100
29 57003 Baltic SD 50/100 68/100
30 57063 Tabor SD 50/100 68/100
31 57232 Eden SD 50/100 65/100
32 57369 Platte SD 50/100 45/100
33 57385 Woonsocket SD 50/100 66/100
34 57445 Groton SD 50/100 63/100
35 57219 Bristol SD 52/100 65/100
36 57448 Hosmer SD 52/100 61/100
37 57625 Eagle Butte SD 52/100 82/100
38 57738 Fairburn SD 52/100 82/100
39 57744 Hermosa SD 52/100 69/100
40 57761 New Underwood SD 52/100 82/100
41 57788 Vale SD 52/100 82/100
42 57048 Montrose SD 53/100 63/100
43 57235 Florence SD 53/100 68/100
44 57356 Lake Andes SD 53/100 66/100
45 57769 Piedmont SD 54/100 81/100
46 57006 Brookings SD 55/100 49/100
47 57007 Brookings SD 55/100 52/100
48 57272 Wallace SD 55/100 67/100
49 57315 Avon SD 55/100 58/100
50 57401 Aberdeen SD 55/100 49/100
51 57402 Aberdeen SD 55/100 64/100
52 57474 Stratford SD 55/100 67/100
53 57620 Bison SD 55/100 64/100
54 57059 Scotland SD 57/100 65/100
55 57101 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 66/100
56 57103 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
57 57104 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 56/100
58 57105 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 56/100
59 57106 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
60 57107 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
61 57108 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
62 57109 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
63 57110 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 66/100
64 57117 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
65 57118 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
66 57186 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
67 57189 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
68 57192 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
69 57193 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
70 57194 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
71 57195 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
72 57196 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
73 57197 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
74 57198 Sioux Falls SD 57/100 61/100
75 57366 Parkston SD 57/100 69/100
76 57579 White River SD 57/100 82/100
77 57345 Highmore SD 58/100 68/100
78 57046 Mission Hill SD 59/100 63/100
79 57001 Alcester SD 60/100 67/100
80 57551 Martin SD 60/100 80/100
81 57717 Belle Fourche SD 60/100 75/100
82 57766 Oral SD 60/100 81/100
83 57237 Gary SD 62/100 65/100
84 57446 Hecla SD 62/100 69/100
85 57632 Herreid SD 62/100 65/100
86 57355 Kimball SD 64/100 64/100
87 57314 Artesian SD 65/100 61/100
88 57330 Delmont SD 65/100 65/100
89 57440 Frankfort SD 65/100 69/100
90 57475 Tolstoy SD 65/100 62/100
91 57028 Flandreau SD 67/100 64/100
92 57062 Springfield SD 67/100 65/100
93 57070 Viborg SD 67/100 69/100
94 57077 Worthing SD 67/100 65/100
95 57234 Estelline SD 67/100 59/100
96 57260 Rosholt SD 67/100 68/100
97 57311 Alexandria SD 67/100 69/100
98 57718 Black Hawk SD 67/100 82/100
99 57278 Willow Lake SD 68/100 70/100
100 57279 Wilmot SD 68/100 65/100

Methodology

Water system reliability scores (0-100) combine violation frequency, violation recency, resolution rate, and system size. Systems with repeated health-based violations and unresolved issues score lowest. The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance, distinct from the broader Home Safety Score.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a low water reliability score mean?

A low reliability score (below 50) indicates a water system with frequent violations, poor resolution rates, or recurring compliance issues. These systems may have aging infrastructure, inadequate treatment, or management challenges.

How is reliability different from safety score?

The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance (violations, resolution, compliance). The Home Safety Score is broader, also including lead risk, radon, and flood data. A ZIP code can have a reliable water system but still have high radon or flood risk.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →


Related Rankings

Home Safety 2026 Water compliance, PFAS, radon, and annual AQI score inputs PFAS 2026 Forever chemicals detected in drinking water Lead Risk 2026 Lead pipe infrastructure and EPA exceedances
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

Get safety alerts for South Dakota

Free updates when EPA data changes for this area. No spam.

Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.

Share This Page

X Facebook
Check your water filter options Free tool - no phone call required.