Is Canton, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Canton, OK — Water Quality Report
Canton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 750 residents using groundwater.
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 68 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Canton's water
Canton ranks #53 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Canton relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Canton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Canton, OK water safe to drink?
Canton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Canton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Canton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Nitrate-Nitrite.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-778). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Canton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Canton's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Blaine County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Canton Lake Near Canton, North Canadian River At Canton.
Where does Canton's water come from?
Canton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Canton Lake Near Canton (lake), North Canadian River At Canton (river).
What Canton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Canton'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.
Canton'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 Canton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Canton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US GYPSUM SOUTHARD, OK73770 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBlaine County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Blaine County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Canton compares by contaminant
Explore where Canton ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Canton's water comes from
Canton's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 750 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Canton
Canton is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Canton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANTON | OK2000607 | 650 | GW |
| HUTTONS CORNER MHP | OK2000613 | 100 | GW |
How Canton compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Canton's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Canton, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Canton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Blaine
Frequently asked questions
Is Canton, OK tap water safe to drink?
Canton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #53 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Canton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Canton'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 Canton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Canton's water come from?
Canton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has Canton's water system had?
Canton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Canton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Canton uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 68 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Canton's water compare to other cities?
Canton ranks #53 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 85% of state cities) and #6420 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.