Is Arkoma, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83/100
waterverge.com Arkoma, OK — Water Quality Report
Arkoma's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,180 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 26 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Arkoma's water
Arkoma ranks #55 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Arkoma may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Arkoma, OK water safe to drink?
Arkoma's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,180 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Arkoma
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Arkoma's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Arkoma's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Arkoma's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Arkoma's water come from?
Arkoma's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,180 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas River At Ft. Smith, Ar. (river), Lee Creek At Lee Creek Reservoir Near Van Buren,Ar (lake), Ar River At Van Buren (river), Ar River At James W. Trimble L&D Nr Van Buren (river).
What Arkoma residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Arkoma's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Arkoma
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Arkoma, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 263,624 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OK FOODS-FT SMITH FORT SMITH, AR72904 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 253,282 | 7.4 mi |
GERBER PRODUCTS CO FORT SMITH, AR72904 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 10,139 | 7.8 mi |
BEKAERT CORP VAN BUREN, AR72956 | Zinc compounds | 186 | 9.3 mi |
GNB FORT SMITH LLC FORT SMITH, AR72908 | Lead | 12 | 3.3 mi |
TATE&LYLE VAN BUREN VAN BUREN, AR72956 | Methanol | 5 | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtLe Flore County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Arkoma compares by contaminant
Explore where Arkoma ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Arkoma's water comes from
Arkoma's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,180 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Arkoma
Arkoma is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Arkoma
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARKOMA | OK3004013 | 2,180 | SWP |
How Arkoma compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Arkoma's score of 83/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Arkoma, OK
Wikipedia →Arkoma is a town in LeFlore County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, Arkoma had a population of 1,806. The name of the town is a portmanteau of Arkansas and Oklahoma, given its location on the border between the two states. Throughout its history, Arkoma has served as a "bedroom community," with many residents commuting to work in neighboring Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Arkoma's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Le Flore
Frequently asked questions
Is Arkoma, OK tap water safe to drink?
Arkoma's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #55 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Arkoma's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Arkoma's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Arkoma?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Arkoma's water come from?
Arkoma's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,180 residents.
What health violations has Arkoma's water system had?
Arkoma has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Arkoma's water compare to other cities?
Arkoma ranks #55 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 85% of state cities) and #6654 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Arkoma's small water system affect quality?
Arkoma's system serves approximately 2,180 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 26 violations on record.