TapWater.org

Aberdeen Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Aberdeen tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. At 623.5 ppm (36.5 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 47 violations recorded over the past 3 years.

C

Some Concerns

Monitor recommended

36.5 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

2.41ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Very Hard water

623.5ppm
0100748+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

47total

14 health-based

View EPA report →

Is Aberdeen Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Aberdeen tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.

  • •14 health-based violations in the past 3 years across 36 water systems.
  • •Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter for added safety.

The data below shows test results from 36 water utilities serving 54K people in the Aberdeen area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.

How Hard is Aberdeen Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

623.5 ppm

36.5 grains per gallon

Very Hard

Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.

Estimated from 1 neighboring county. Actual values may vary.

Impact on Your Home

Shower

Dries out skin & hair

Kitchen

Heavy mineral deposits

Laundry

Stiff, dingy clothes

Appliances

Significant scale

Regional Comparison

Aberdeen
623.5
South Dakota
280
US Average
100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Based on 16 water samples from Brown County.

Your pipes tell a different story

The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Aberdeen tap water.

Test Your WaterSee top-rated kits →

Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.

Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Aberdeen

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

2.41 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Aberdeen lead levels are well within safe limits.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2025-06-30

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues

How to Reduce Exposure

  • •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
  • •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
  • •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
  • •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986

EPA Compliance History

Action Recommended

Active health-based violations detected

Consider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.

3-Year Violation Summary

47

Total Violations

14

Health-Related

33

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Aberdeen

Who Provides Aberdeen's Water?

Utility Name

ABERDEEN

EPA System ID (PWSID)

SD4600020

Primary Water Source

Groundwater

Population Served

54K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Aberdeen tap water quality

Aberdeen tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable EPA limits. You may want to consider using a water filter, especially for drinking water. Check the detailed report for specific contaminant levels.
Aberdeen has very hard water with a hardness of 623.5 ppm (36.5 grains per gallon). Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Lead levels (2.41 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Aberdeen's tap water is provided by ABERDEEN. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is SD4600020. The primary water source is Groundwater. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Aberdeen. The water is very hard (623.5 ppm), so a water softener could reduce scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
Aberdeen's water utility has had 47 violations in the past 3 years. Of these, 14 were health-based and 33 were monitoring/reporting related.
Aberdeen's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a safe and common practice required by the EPA. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Aberdeen's tap water primarily comes from groundwater sources. The water undergoes treatment at local facilities before being distributed through the municipal water system. The water is provided by ABERDEEN.

Nearby Cities in South Dakota

Sioux Falls

Very Hard water

Rapid City

Very Hard water

Watertown

Pierre

Very Hard water

Brookings

Very Hard water

Mitchell

View all South Dakota cities

This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology