Select a city below to view local well water testing services in your area. Each city page lists providers offering lab testing, field sampling, or mail-in well water tests.
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South Dakota's rural character means many households rely on private wells for drinking water. The state's geology varies from the Black Hills in the west to the Missouri River valley and the prairies of the east, creating different groundwater conditions across regions.
South Dakota does not have a statewide mandate requiring private well water testing at property sale. The state takes a recommendation-based approach, with guidance from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and local resources.
Agricultural activity across South Dakota can affect groundwater quality, with nitrates being a concern in some areas. Some regions also have naturally occurring arsenic or uranium. Testing is the only way to know what's in your specific well water.
South Dakota does not have a statewide law requiring private well water testing for property sales. Testing is recommended but voluntary for existing private domestic wells.
For new well construction, testing may be required depending on local regulations and the permitting process. Check with your local permitting authority for specific requirements when drilling a new well.
State guidance recommends regular testing as a matter of good practice. Annual testing for bacteria and nitrates is recommended for all private well owners.
Real estate transactions often include testing. Mortgage lenders frequently require water quality documentation. Many buyers request testing during due diligence.
The baseline testing recommended everywhere applies in South Dakota: total coliform bacteria and E. coli for sanitary integrity, plus nitrates which pose health risks to infants and pregnant women. Annual testing for these parameters is recommended.
Agricultural activity across South Dakota-grain farming, livestock operations-can contribute to nitrate levels in groundwater. If you're in an agricultural area, nitrate testing is particularly important.
Some South Dakota groundwater has naturally occurring arsenic or uranium. These contaminants are odorless and tasteless, so testing is the only way to detect them. Testing at least once for these is prudent.
Consider testing for: lead (especially with older plumbing), iron and manganese (common aesthetic issues), hardness and sulfate (common in SD), and any contaminants identified as local concerns.
Every year
At least once, repeat every 3-5 years
Based on location and circumstances
Well water testing costs in South Dakota depend on what you're testing for. Basic bacteria and nitrate tests are generally affordable. Adding arsenic, uranium, or comprehensive panels increases the cost.
The South Dakota State Health Laboratory and private certified labs serve South Dakota well owners. Local health resources may provide information on testing options.
Turnaround time follows typical patterns: bacteria results within a few days (samples are time-sensitive), chemical tests within 5-10 business days. South Dakota's size and rural character mean planning for sample transport is important.
For real estate transactions, plan ahead. Allow adequate time for sample collection, transport, analysis, and any follow-up if issues are found.
South Dakota well owners can choose from certified laboratories, state lab services, and mail-in test kit providers. For accurate, defensible results, use labs certified for drinking water analysis.
The South Dakota State Health Laboratory provides testing services for various parameters. Check their current offerings and submission requirements.
Given South Dakota's varied geology-Black Hills versus eastern prairies-local knowledge can be valuable. Arsenic or uranium may be concerns in some areas but not others.
Distance and logistics matter in South Dakota. For bacteria samples that need to reach a lab within 24-30 hours, plan accordingly.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in South Dakota, from requirements to finding local services.