Is Chelsea, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.8/100
waterverge.com Chelsea, OK — Water Quality Report
Chelsea's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,964 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 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 53 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chelsea's water
Chelsea ranks #25 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Chelsea may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chelsea, OK water safe to drink?
Chelsea's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,964 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Chelsea
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chelsea's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1754). 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 Chelsea's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chelsea's water system has 53 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Rogers County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Chelsea's water come from?
Chelsea's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,964 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Chelsea residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chelsea'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.
Chelsea'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 Chelsea
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chelsea, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AZZ GALVANIZING SERVICES-CHELSEA CHELSEA, OK74016 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtRogers 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
Rogers County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 4.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chelsea compares by contaminant
Explore where Chelsea ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chelsea's water comes from
Chelsea'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 1,964 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Chelsea
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHELSEA ECONOMIC DEV. AUTH. | OK1021504 | 1,964 | SW |
How Chelsea compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Chelsea's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Chelsea, OK
Wikipedia →Chelsea is a town in Rogers County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, Chelsea had a population of 1,991. Chelsea was named after the area in London, England, by Charles Peach, a railroad official who was a native of London. The town was the site of the Chelsea-Alluwe Oil Field, which produced a significant amount of oil from circa 1910 until the early 1920s, before it played out. Will Rogers attended a subscription school on Cherokee Land in Chelsea.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chelsea's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rogers
Frequently asked questions
Is Chelsea, OK tap water safe to drink?
Chelsea's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #25 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Chelsea's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 53 violations are on record.
How is Chelsea'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 Chelsea?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chelsea's water come from?
Chelsea's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,964 residents.
What health violations has Chelsea's water system had?
Chelsea has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Chelsea's water compare to other cities?
Chelsea ranks #25 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 93% of state cities) and #3822 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chelsea's small water system affect quality?
Chelsea's system serves approximately 1,964 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 53 violations on record.