Union County, South Dakota — public water systems

How does Union County compare with other South Dakota counties?

Union County has the 14th-most active public water systems among the 73 counties listed for active South Dakota systems in EPA records; among the 48 with 3 or more systems, the median has 6. Its systems report 14,087 people served in total, the 16th-largest county figure in the state and 1.5% of the statewide total. The average system here reports serving 1,761 people, about 27% above the South Dakota average of 1,387. Population figures are what each system reports; people served by more than one system, such as a wholesaler and the town that buys from it, are counted by each.

Where does Union County's drinking water come from?

By primary water source, Union County's active systems draw on groundwater (5, 63%), purchased groundwater (2, 25%) and purchased groundwater under influence (1, 13%). Overall, all rely mainly on groundwater (including purchased groundwater) and none on surface water, compared with 76% and 24% across South Dakota. Groundwater means the system draws its water from wells or springs fed by underground aquifers. The county's largest system, Dakota Dunes Cid, draws primarily on purchased groundwater under influence.

What kinds of water systems operate in Union County?

Union County's active systems break down as 7 community systems (88%) and 1 transient non-community systems (13%). A community water system serves at least 15 connections used by year-round residents, or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents. Homes, apartments and mobile-home parks are served by these. A transient non-community water system serves places where people do not stay long, such as gas stations and campgrounds, and regularly serves at least 25 people a day for at least 60 days a year. EPA lists their owner types as local government (75%) and private (25%).