Is Atoka, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Manganese was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
50.1/100
waterverge.com Atoka, OK — Water Quality Report
Atoka's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 7,313 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 380 violations on record, including 269 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Atoka's water
Atoka ranks #213 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it below 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.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 45.6 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
The system has seen 102 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Atoka, OK water safe to drink?
Atoka's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 7,313 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Atoka
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Atoka's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50.1/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine dioxide, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
7 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Chlorine dioxide, TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-649). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Atoka's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Elevated disinfection byproduct levels. These form when chlorine interacts with organic matter during water treatment.
Violation history
Atoka's water system has 380 total violations on record, including 269 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 102 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Atoka County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Atoka Reservoir Near Stringtown, Clear Boggy Creek Abv Caney Creek Nr Caney.
Where does Atoka's water come from?
Atoka's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 7,313 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Atoka Reservoir Near Stringtown (lake), Clear Boggy Creek Abv Caney Creek Nr Caney (river).
What Atoka residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Atoka'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.
Atoka's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtAtoka 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.
Flood & disaster history
Atoka County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Atoka compares by contaminant
Explore where Atoka ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Atoka's water comes from
Atoka'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 7,313 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Atoka
Atoka is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Atoka
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATOKA CO. RWS & SWMD #4 | OK1010412 | 3,000 | SW |
| ATOKA | OK1010401 | 2,988 | SW |
| HOWARD MCLEOD CORRECTIONAL CENTER | OK2000304 | 825 | GW |
| ATOKA CO. RWD #2 | OK3000306 | 500 | SWP |
How Atoka compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Atoka's score of 50.1/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Atoka, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Atoka's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Atoka
Frequently asked questions
Is Atoka, OK tap water safe to drink?
Atoka's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #213 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Atoka's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 380 violations are on record.
How is Atoka'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 Atoka?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Atoka's water come from?
Atoka's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 7,313 residents.
What health violations has Atoka's water system had?
Atoka has 269 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
How does Atoka's water compare to other cities?
Atoka ranks #213 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 41% of state cities) and #13042 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.