TapWater.org

Watertown Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Watertown tap water has contaminants that exceed current EPA standards. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 22 violations recorded over the past 3 years.

D

Action Needed

Quality issues detected

Lead

Below EPA action level

2.15ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Hardness data not available

Violations

Past 3 years

22total

22 health-based

View EPA report →

Is Watertown Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Watertown tap water has contaminants that exceed current EPA maximum contaminant levels.

EPA Violations — 22 health-based EPA violations in the past 3 years across 3 water systems.

Health-based violations mean the water exceeded a federal maximum contaminant level. This is more serious than administrative violations.

→ Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter until violations are resolved.

Lead — Lead (2.15 ppb) is at 14% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

The data below shows test results from 3 water utilities serving 27K people in the Watertown area.

Based on publicly available data from EPA Water Quality Portal (Various). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.

Do I Need a Water Filter?

Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Watertown. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce common contaminants.

How Hard is Watertown Water?

Water hardness data is not currently available for Watertown.

Contact your local water utility for this information.

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 Watertown 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 Watertown

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

2.15 ppb

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

Watertown lead levels are well below the EPA action level.

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

Last sampled: 2024-12-31

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

According to the EPA, 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 and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

According to the EPA: 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

22

Total Violations

22

Health-Related

0

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.

Administrative Violations

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

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Watertown

Who Provides Watertown's Water?

Utility Name

WATERTOWN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES

EPA System ID (PWSID)

SD4600356

Primary Water Source

Groundwater

Population Served

27K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Watertown tap water quality

Watertown tap water has contaminants that exceed current EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends that consumers in areas where contaminants exceed limits consider certified water filtration. Contact your local water utility for guidance.
Lead levels (2.15 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Watertown's tap water is provided by WATERTOWN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is SD4600356. 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 Watertown. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce common contaminants.
Watertown's water utility has had 22 violations in the past 3 years. Of these, 22 were health-based and 0 were monitoring/reporting related.
Watertown's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a standard practice required by the EPA to prevent waterborne illness. 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.
Watertown'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 WATERTOWN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES.

Nearby Cities in South Dakota

Sioux Falls

Very Hard water

Rapid City

Very Hard water

Aberdeen

Very Hard water

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

Data source: EPA Water Quality Portal (environmental samples, not verified tap water)