Watertown, SD
Long-term air quality
What this page tells you
This page combines annual PM2.5, unhealthy days, 5-year trend, and data coverage so you can compare long-term air quality, not just today's reading.
Watertown, SD air quality summary: Long-term monitoring in Watertown, SD yields a Clean Air Score of 74, which corresponds to an environmental grade of B. The city's standing is defined by an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 7.6 µg/m³. The annual average of 7.6 µg/m³ in Watertown represents moderate long-term particulate exposure. Looking at the historical record, long-term air quality has weakened over recent years.
Clean Air Score
A score of 74 and a B grade reflect a history of relatively stable and breathable air conditions. This performance suggests the local environment has effectively managed fine particulate levels over time.
🏡 What This Means for Buying
Evaluating the B grade is a practical step for anyone considering a move to Watertown. This historical context helps frame what to expect from the local atmosphere over several years.
Indoor Air Quality in Watertown, SD
Outdoor pollution can still affect indoor air when windows are open, filtration is weak, or wildfire smoke moves in.
How to react when today's AQI changes
Use the AQI bands below to decide whether to open windows, run an air purifier, or stay indoors when pollution spikes in Watertown.
AQI 0-50
GoodOpen windows: Open windows if you want fresh air.
Air purifier: No purifier needed for most homes.
Indoor activity: Normal indoor activity is fine.
AQI 51-100
ModerateOpen windows: Sensitive groups should limit open-window time.
Air purifier: Use fans or filtration if dust or pollen is bothering you.
Indoor activity: Most people can stay active indoors.
AQI 101-150
Unhealthy for Sensitive GroupsOpen windows: Keep windows closed.
Air purifier: Run a HEPA purifier in the main room and bedroom.
Indoor activity: Sensitive groups should reduce outdoor exposure.
AQI 151+
UnhealthyOpen windows: Keep windows and doors closed.
Air purifier: Run HEPA continuously and seal obvious drafts.
Indoor activity: Stay indoors as much as possible; use an N95 if you must go out.
Common indoor air concerns in Watertown:
- Seasonal pollen and dust mite allergens
- VOCs from household products
Recommended action: If today's AQI reaches 101 or higher, close windows and run HEPA filtration before indoor air starts to feel smoky or stale.
Top Products for Watertown Homes:
🩺 My Health Risk Assessment
See how Watertown's air quality affects you and your family specifically.
Health Advice
Good for most outdoor activities.
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</> Create Free Widget🏡 Property Value Impact Analysis
Between 2019 and 2024, Watertown's air quality worsened by 1.3 μg/m³. Based on NBER studies, this change correlates with a estimated 5.2% decrease in relative property value retention.
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Why Watertown earned a 74
Raw inputs, scoring weights, and data coverage for this city.
Best Time to Run
Find the cleanest hours for your run today.
Cycling Forecast
Avoid pollution spikes on your next ride.
📅 Past 30 Days Trend
Real-time daily PM2.5 AQI
🌸 Pollen Outlook
Current Seasonal Forecast
How it worksBased on current seasonal forecast data. Not a long-term pollution rating or relocation score.
Score Breakdown
| Component | Weight | Score Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Air Quality | 40% | 62.8 |
| Unhealthy Days | 25% | 100 |
| 5-Year Trend | 20% | 43.5 |
| Seasonal Variability | 10% | 89.2 |
| Extreme Events | 5% | 100 |
Explore More Air Quality Data
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Data
Data Sources
Historical air quality mapping and scoring are based completely on official U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) AirNow API data. 5-day AQI forecasts are provided by WAQI.
Methodology
Our Clean Air Score (0-100) is a proprietary algorithm that weighs multiple factors:
- Annual PM2.5 averages (40%)
- Frequency of unhealthy days (25%)
- 5-year pollution trends (20%)
- Seasonal variability and extreme events (15%)
Updates & Accuracy
Real-time data is updated hourly. Historical aggregate scores are recalculated monthly to reflect the latest trends. While we strive for accuracy, sensor maintenance and local conditions can affect individual readings.
Practical Advice
When AQI > 100: Sensitive groups (children, elderly, asthmatics) should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
When AQI > 150: Everyone should avoid outdoor exercise and keep windows closed.
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Watertown Air Quality FAQs
Is Watertown a good fit for people who care about long-term air quality?
Watertown, SD holds an overall grade of B with a Clean Air Score of 74. With an annual PM2.5 mean of 7.6 µg/m³, the area's long-term profile is clearly defined for researchers.
How often does Watertown experience unhealthy air frequency or long-term pollution exposure?
Historical records indicate that Watertown sees unhealthy air conditions approximately 0% of the time. These levels are a primary factor in the city's current B grade.
Is the air quality in Watertown improving or getting worse over time?
Long-term monitoring suggests that the air quality in Watertown has shown signs of weakening in recent years.
Does air quality vary by neighborhood or ZIP code in Watertown?
Yes, localized factors often cause air quality to vary between neighborhoods in Watertown. We recommend viewing our ZIP-level detail pages for more specific data on your local area.