States
South Dakota private well water
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells. nitrate, sulfate, hardness.
Common urgent flags
- nitrate
- sulfate
- hardness
Contaminants
Nitrate
High nitrate can be dangerous for infants and pregnant people.
Arsenic
Long-term arsenic exposure is linked to cancer and other chronic health risks.
Lead
Lead is especially harmful for children and pregnancy, even at low levels.
Total Coliform
Coliform bacteria indicate a possible pathway for contamination into the well.
E. coli
E. coli suggests fecal contamination and can cause acute illness.
pH
Low pH can corrode plumbing; high pH can cause scale and taste issues.
Hardness
Hard water causes scale, appliance wear, and soap inefficiency.
Iron
Iron stains fixtures and laundry and can create metallic taste.
Manganese
Manganese can cause black staining and may have health concerns at elevated levels.
Total Dissolved Solids
High TDS can indicate salty, mineralized, or otherwise poor-tasting water.
Fluoride
Too much fluoride can affect teeth and bones over time.
Sodium
Sodium matters for people on sodium-restricted diets and may indicate saltwater intrusion.
Sulfate
High sulfate can cause bitter taste, odor issues, and laxative effects for some users.
Chloride
High chloride can taste salty and corrode plumbing.
Uranium
Uranium can affect kidneys and is regionally common in some bedrock wells.
Radon
Radon in water can add to indoor air radon when water is used.
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Download the iOS appEducational guidance only. Always confirm important decisions with a certified laboratory, local health department, qualified water treatment professional, or clinician.