Certified Lab Directory
Certified Water Testing Labs in South Dakota
There are 4 laboratories based in South Dakota that hold current drinking water certified status. That status comes from the South Dakota DANR, which checks that each lab uses EPA-approved methods, passes annual proficiency testing, and holds up under audits. That's the difference between a lab on this list and a strip-mall "free water test": someone has checked these labs' work. The full list is below, along with what to test for and when a home kit is enough.
Certified drinking water labs in South Dakota
| Lab | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State Health Laboratory | Pierre | 605-773-3368 |
| Mid Continent Testing Laboratory | Rapid City | 605-348-0111 |
| American Engineering Testing | Sioux Falls | 605-332-5371 |
| Sioux Falls Public Health Laboratory | Sioux Falls | 605-367-8777 |
Certification status changes — labs are added, dropped, and suspended throughout the year. Before you mail a sample, confirm the lab still holds certification for the specific test you need. This list was pulled from the official source on .
This table covers the 4 certified labs located in South Dakota. The South Dakota DANR also certifies 12 labs based outside the state, which can often still run your sample — those are on the official list linked below.
Source: South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (DANR), Drinking Water Program, Laboratory Certification (Drinking Water Program). Retrieved . (https://danr.sd.gov/OfficeOfWater/DrinkingWater/LaboratoryCert.aspx)
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Get the Free Test KitHow lab certification works in South Dakota
In South Dakota, drinking water laboratories are certified by the South Dakota DANR under the Laboratory Certification (Drinking Water Program). The program operates within the EPA's national framework for drinking water lab certification: labs must use EPA-approved analytical methods, successfully analyze proficiency-test samples at least annually for each certified method and analyte, and pass periodic on-site audits (EPA, epa.gov/dwlabcert). Certification is issued per method and per analyte — so a lab certified for bacteria testing isn't automatically certified for metals or radiochemistry. When you call, name the specific test you need.
Questions about a lab's certification status go to the program directly: 605-773-5559.
Common questions about South Dakota water testing labs
Who certifies water testing labs in South Dakota?
The South Dakota DANR, through the Laboratory Certification (Drinking Water Program). The program follows the EPA's national framework for drinking water laboratory certification, which requires EPA-approved test methods, at least annual proficiency testing, and periodic on-site audits. Source: South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (DANR), Drinking Water Program (https://danr.sd.gov/OfficeOfWater/DrinkingWater/LaboratoryCert.aspx) and EPA (epa.gov/dwlabcert).
How many certified labs are in South Dakota?
4 certified drinking water labs are located in South Dakota, as of the official list we pulled on August 2, 2026. The South Dakota DANR also certifies 12 labs based outside South Dakota that can often still analyze your sample; those appear on the official list linked on this page. Certification changes throughout the year, so treat this as a starting point and confirm status with the lab. Source: South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (DANR), Drinking Water Program (https://danr.sd.gov/OfficeOfWater/DrinkingWater/LaboratoryCert.aspx).
How often should I test my well water in South Dakota?
The EPA recommends testing private wells annually for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH — and testing immediately after flooding, well repairs, nearby construction, or any change in your water's taste, odor, or color. Your local health department can tell you which contaminants are common in South Dakota groundwater. Source: EPA, Protect Your Home's Water (epa.gov/privatewells).
Can I use a lab that isn't on this list?
This list covers labs located in South Dakota that were on the official list published by the South Dakota DANR as of August 2, 2026. Certification changes during the year, so a lab missing from this page may have been certified since then — the official source linked above always has the current list and it also includes certified labs based outside the state. What we'd avoid is any lab that can't show a current drinking water certification at all. The EPA's guidance is to only use certified laboratories for drinking water testing. Source: EPA, Protect Your Home's Water (epa.gov/privatewells).
What if the nearest certified lab is far from me?
Ask the lab about a mail-in collection kit — many certified labs ship one with instructions and pre-treated bottles. Timing matters for some tests (bacteria samples have a short window between collection and analysis), so follow the lab's collection instructions exactly. Your local health department is also worth a call; some offer private well testing for free. Source on health department testing: EPA, Protect Your Home's Water (epa.gov/privatewells).
Lab results came back with a problem?
High hardness, high TDS, or a contaminant above EPA limits can usually be treated at the house. Send us what the lab found and we'll build a filtration estimate around your report.
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