Arlington, SD · ZIP 57212
Restoration help in Arlington and Lake Poinsett
Arlington sits about 18 miles west of Brookings, mostly in Kingsbury County, with Lake Poinsett to the northeast. Call to reach an independent restoration provider for water, fire, mold or biohazard damage.
About Arlington
Arlington was platted in 1880 by the Western Town Lot Company under the name Nordland, with streets named in Norwegian. A later attempt to call it Denver was turned down by postal authorities, and it became Arlington in 1885. The city lies mostly in Kingsbury County, with a portion in Brookings County. The 2020 census counted 915 residents and 467 housing units, 12.8 percent of them vacant (Wikipedia). The Arlington Sun has been published since 1885, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Theodore Schultz was from Arlington.
Lake Poinsett, to the northeast, covers about 8,000 acres and is one of the largest natural lakes in South Dakota. It and seven nearby feeder lakes were carved by a glacier (South Dakota Magazine).
Lake Poinsett flood history
NOAA's Lake Poinsett gauge sets minor flooding at a lake elevation of 1,654 feet and major flooding at 1,657 feet. Its notes say that around 1,655 feet, homes along the north side of the lake begin to flood. The record is 1,657.60 feet on April 5, 2011, followed by 1,657.00 feet in April 2019 and 1,656.44 feet in July 2010 (NOAA). The National Weather Service's account of the March 2010 snowmelt flood notes homes inundated around Lake Poinsett as northeastern South Dakota's glacial lakes reached record levels (NWS), and South Dakota Magazine reported in 2011 that the feeder lakes had stayed full for two years and lake residents had been dealing with flooding.
Wind is the other lake hazard. In September 2025, high winds at Lake Poinsett knocked boats off docks and sent waves over retaining walls (KELOLAND).
Lake water in the house? Treat it as contaminated floodwater. Stay out until the power is off, and photograph the water line before anything is moved.
Call about damage in Arlington
What drives restoration calls here
- Frozen pipes in lake cabins and seasonal homes. Houses left empty over winter are where pipes freeze unnoticed. See frozen pipes.
- Basement water from snowmelt and spring rain. See basement flooding.
- High lake levels reaching shoreline homes in wet years.
- Heating-season fires and the smoke and water damage that follow. See fire and smoke damage.
Local utility contacts
| Need | Who to call |
|---|---|
| City electric, water, sewer or garbage | City of Arlington Finance Office, 605-983-5251 (weekdays, 8:30 to 4:30) |
| Flood insurance | National Flood Insurance Program, 800-427-4661 |
| Private well or septic at the lake | A well or septic service company |
The City of Arlington provides electric, water, sewer and garbage service. Its FAQ says only the city can turn a water meter on or off, but residents can close the water shutoff inside the house, which it suggests before leaving for a while. It also suggests checking toilets, faucets, water heaters and water softeners if a bill seems high, and watching the meter dial when no water is in use to spot a hidden leak (City of Arlington).
Flood insurance
The South Dakota Division of Insurance says most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, and points homeowners to the National Flood Insurance Program at 800-427-4661 (SD Division of Insurance). For lake properties, that separate policy is the one that matters when the water comes from the lake.
Services covered in Arlington
| Service | Covered in 57212 |
|---|---|
| Water damage | Yes |
| Fire and smoke damage | Yes |
| Mold remediation | Yes |
| Biohazard cleanup | Yes |
Nearby Oldham, Rutland and Nunda are covered for the same four services. See the service area page for the full list.
Common questions
Which services does the line cover in Arlington?
All four: water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold, and biohazard cleanup, for ZIP 57212, including lake homes near Lake Poinsett.
Who do I call about water, sewer or electric service in Arlington?
The City of Arlington runs electric, water, sewer and garbage service through its Finance Office, at 605-983-5251 on weekdays. The city says only city staff can turn a water meter on or off, but you can close the shutoff inside the house.
Does homeowners insurance cover lake flooding?
Generally not. The South Dakota Division of Insurance says most homeowners policies do not cover flood, and recommends flood insurance in flood-prone areas. The National Flood Insurance Program can be reached at 800-427-4661.
Related pages
Service area
Brookings and nearby towns in Brookings, Moody, Lake and Kingsbury counties, plus Lake Benton, MN.
Read moreBasement flooding
Snowmelt seepage, heavy rain and failed sump pumps in finished basements.
Read moreFrozen & burst pipes
Pipes that split in a deep freeze, and the water damage left when they thaw.
Read moreSouth Dakota insurance guide
What South Dakota homeowners policies usually cover, flood and backup gaps, and claim steps.
Read moreSources and further reading · Last reviewed November 2026:
- Wikipedia: Arlington, South Dakota
- City of Arlington: Frequently asked questions
- NOAA National Water Prediction Service: Lake Poinsett (PONS2)
- South Dakota Magazine: Poinsett's enduring charm (2011)
- National Weather Service: Significant South Dakota floods
- KELOLAND News: Lake Poinsett sees significant wind damage (2025)
- South Dakota Division of Insurance: Flood insurance
Burst pipe, wet basement or smoke in the house? Call now.
Get connected with a restoration provider that serves Brookings, Volga, Aurora, Elkton, Arlington and Flandreau.