Is Carter, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81.7/100
waterverge.com Carter, OK — Water Quality Report
Carter's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,925 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 63 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carter's water
Carter ranks #71 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Carter 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, Carter 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 Carter, OK water safe to drink?
Carter's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (81.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,925 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carter
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carter's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.7/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Carter's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Carter's water system has 63 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Beckham County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 North Fork Red River Near Sayre, North Fork Red River Near Carter.
Where does Carter's water come from?
Carter's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,925 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Red River Near Sayre (river), North Fork Red River Near Carter (river).
What Carter residents can do
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 Carter
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carter, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BUFFALO CREEK PROCESSING PLANT SAYRE, OK73662 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBeckham 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
Beckham County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Carter'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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Carter compares by contaminant
Explore where Carter ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carter's water comes from
Carter'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 1,925 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Carter
Carter is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carter
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BECKHAM CO RWD # 1 | OK2000505 | 1,595 | GW |
| CARTER | OK3000501 | 330 | GWP |
How Carter compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Carter's score of 81.7/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Carter, OK
Wikipedia →Carter is a town in Beckham County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 183 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carter's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Beckham
Frequently asked questions
Is Carter, OK tap water safe to drink?
Carter's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #71 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Carter's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 63 violations are on record.
How is Carter'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 Carter?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carter's water come from?
Carter's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,925 residents.
What health violations has Carter's water system had?
Carter has 28 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Carter's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carter 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 63 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 Carter's water compare to other cities?
Carter ranks #71 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 80% of state cities) and #7355 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.