Is Barnsdall, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 36 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Barnsdall, OK — Water Quality Report
Barnsdall's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,804 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.7 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 589 violations on record, including 448 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved.
What to know about Barnsdall's water
Barnsdall ranks #277 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Barnsdall may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 182 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Barnsdall, OK water safe to drink?
Barnsdall's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,804 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Barnsdall
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Barnsdall's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
4 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
8 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), CARBON, TOTAL.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3411). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Barnsdall's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Barnsdall's water system has 589 total violations on record, including 448 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved. 182 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Osage County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Bird Creek At Avant.
Where does Barnsdall's water come from?
Barnsdall's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,804 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bird Creek At Avant (river).
What Barnsdall residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Barnsdall'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Barnsdall'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Barnsdall
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Barnsdall, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NUCERA SOLUTIONS LLC BARNSDALL, OK74002 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtOsage 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
Osage County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1971. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Barnsdall's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 5.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Barnsdall compares by contaminant
Explore where Barnsdall ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Barnsdall's water comes from
Barnsdall'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 1,804 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Barnsdall
Barnsdall is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Barnsdall
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARNSDALL | OK1021304 | 1,243 | SW |
| OSAGE CO RWD # 5 | OK3005721 | 561 | SWP |
How Barnsdall compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Barnsdall's score of 47/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Barnsdall, OK
Wikipedia →Barnsdall is a city in Osage County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,034.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Barnsdall's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Osage
Frequently asked questions
Is Barnsdall, OK tap water safe to drink?
Barnsdall's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #277 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Barnsdall's water?
Lead was measured at 5.7 ppb (90th percentile). 589 violations are on record.
How is Barnsdall'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 Barnsdall?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Barnsdall's water come from?
Barnsdall's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,804 residents.
What health violations has Barnsdall's water system had?
Barnsdall has 448 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 36 violations remain unresolved.
How does Barnsdall's water compare to other cities?
Barnsdall ranks #277 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 23% of state cities) and #13756 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.