Is Coalgate, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Coalgate, OK — Water Quality Report
Coalgate's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,730 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.9 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 205 violations on record, including 87 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Coalgate's water
Coalgate ranks #314 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, Coalgate may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 26 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Coalgate, OK water safe to drink?
Coalgate's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,730 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Coalgate
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Coalgate's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Coalgate'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
Coalgate's water system has 205 total violations on record, including 87 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Coal County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1981. 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 Atoka Reservoir Near Stringtown.
Where does Coalgate's water come from?
Coalgate's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,730 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Atoka Reservoir Near Stringtown (lake).
What Coalgate residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Coalgate'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.
Coalgate'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 Coalgate
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Coalgate, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COALGATE TUPELO STONEWALL GAS PLANT COALGATE, OK74538 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
STANBERRY GAS PLANT COALGATE, OK74538 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCoal 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
Coal County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1981. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Coalgate'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. | 6.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Coalgate compares by contaminant
Explore where Coalgate ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Coalgate's water comes from
Coalgate'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 2,730 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Coalgate
Coalgate 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 Coalgate
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COALGATE PWA | OK1010402 | 2,005 | SW |
| COAL CO RWD #5 | OK3001505 | 366 | SWP |
| ROUNDHILL RWD #4 | OK3001504 | 219 | SWP |
| PHILLIPS RWD #1 | OK3001503 | 140 | SWP |
How Coalgate compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Coalgate's score of 45/100 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 Coalgate, OK
Wikipedia →Coalgate is a city in and the county seat of Coal County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, Coalgate had a population of 1,667. The town was founded in 1889 in the Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory as a coal mining camp named Liddle. The name changed to Coalgate on January 23, 1890.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Coalgate's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Coal
Frequently asked questions
Is Coalgate, OK tap water safe to drink?
Coalgate's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #314 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Coalgate's water?
Lead was measured at 6.9 ppb (90th percentile). 205 violations are on record.
How is Coalgate'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 Coalgate?
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 Coalgate's water come from?
Coalgate's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,730 residents.
What health violations has Coalgate's water system had?
Coalgate has 87 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
How does Coalgate's water compare to other cities?
Coalgate ranks #314 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 12% of state cities) and #14270 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.