Is Cherokee, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.4/100
waterverge.com Cherokee, OK — Water Quality Report
Cherokee's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,630 residents using ground water under influence.
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 15 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cherokee's water
Cherokee ranks #52 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Cherokee 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, Cherokee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cherokee, OK water safe to drink?
Cherokee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,630 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cherokee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cherokee's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.4/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Cherokee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cherokee's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Alfalfa County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Cherokee's water come from?
Cherokee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,630 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cherokee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cherokee'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtAlfalfa County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Alfalfa County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Cherokee compares by contaminant
Explore where Cherokee ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cherokee's water comes from
Cherokee'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 1,630 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cherokee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEROKEE | OK2000208 | 1,630 | GU |
How Cherokee compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Cherokee's score of 84.4/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Cherokee, OK
Wikipedia →Cherokee is the largest city within, and county seat of, Alfalfa County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,476 at the 2020 census, a decline of 1.5 percent from 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cherokee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alfalfa
Frequently asked questions
Is Cherokee, OK tap water safe to drink?
Cherokee's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #52 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Cherokee's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Cherokee'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 Cherokee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cherokee's water come from?
Cherokee's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,630 residents.
What health violations has Cherokee's water system had?
Cherokee has 15 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cherokee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cherokee 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 Cherokee's water compare to other cities?
Cherokee ranks #52 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 85% of state cities) and #5921 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cherokee's small water system affect quality?
Cherokee's system serves approximately 1,630 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 68 violations on record.