WaterQ
South Dakota State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Rapid City tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
A

Mostly yes — Rapid City scores 95/100.

Safety Score
95
out of 100

Still not sure if you need a filter in Rapid City?

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Rapid City

South Dakota

View South Dakota state report Data updated: Mar 2026

Is Rapid City tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Rapid City scores 95/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 1 local system in Rapid City. We found 0 total violations (0 unresolved).

Real-Time Environment

Live: 02:30 PM
0mm Precipitation

☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Rapid City.

Water Quality Impact

✅ Minimal Impact Localized weather conditions may influence test result variability.

🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs

Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Rapid City?

Requirement Status
Optional
🟢
💡

Expert Advice

Your water quality is excellent. Standard filtration is optional but can further enhance taste.

Buying a Filter?

Filter or no filter for Rapid City water? Here's what the data says.

Baby Formula Safety

What new parents in Rapid City should know about tap water safety.

Homebuyer's Perspective

Water quality is easy to overlook when evaluating a move to Rapid City, but it can affect plumbing longevity and appliance lifespan. The high safety score (95/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Gross Alpha Particle Activity levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Compliance Record for Rapid City

0
Violations (5yr)
0
Unresolved
8
Contaminants Tracked
0
Exceeding EPA Limit

Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Rapid City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rapid City tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Rapid City scores 95/100.

How many water systems serve Rapid City?

Rapid City is served by 1 public water system in our latest EPA-backed dataset.

How can I check water quality for my exact address in Rapid City?

Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Rapid City.

What is the water quality score for Rapid City?

The water quality score for Rapid City is 95 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results for all serving water systems.

What are the top contaminants in Rapid City?

The top contaminants detected in Rapid City include Gross Alpha Particle Activity, Nitrite, Barium. View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
95/100
Grade
A
Water Systems
4
Population
85,817

Rapid City Water Quality Summary

Rapid City, SD receives a water quality score of 95/100 (Grade A) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 4 public water systems serving the area.

Rapid City's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.

Rapid City's score of 95 is 4 points above the South Dakota state average of 91, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.

For residents and home seekers in this mid-size Great Plains city, the local drinking supply demonstrates exceptional quality and reliability, drawing primarily from groundwater sources typical of the region. Rapid City's tap water is managed across several systems, which successfully navigate the agricultural context of South Dakota to deliver clean, highly rated water. This consistent track record offers reassurance for families and prospective homebuyers looking to establish roots in the area without worrying about tap safety.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our South Dakota water quality rankings report →

Key Contaminants

Gross Alpha Particle Activity
13.9649 / 15 pCi/L
0 pCi/L MCL: 15 pCi/L
Nitrite
0.6261 / 1 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 1 mg/L
Barium
1.052 / 2 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 2 mg/L
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
0.0018 / 0.004 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 0.004 μg/L
Chlorine
1.5396 / 4 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 4 mg/L
Trichloroethylene (TCE)
1.1742 / 5 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 5 μg/L
Radium-228
0.651 / 5 pCi/L
0 pCi/L MCL: 5 pCi/L
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
0.0005 / 0.004 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 0.004 μg/L

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Water Systems Serving Rapid City (1)

Related

Compare Rapid City water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality