Is Colbert, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
68/100
waterverge.com Colbert, OK — Water Quality Report
Colbert's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,312 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.4 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 48 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colbert's water
Colbert ranks #127 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Colbert 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, Colbert may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colbert, OK water safe to drink?
Colbert's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,312 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Colbert
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colbert's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-649). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Colbert'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
Colbert's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bryan County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Red Rv At Denison Dam Nr Denison.
Where does Colbert's water come from?
Colbert's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,312 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Red Rv At Denison Dam Nr Denison (river).
What Colbert residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Colbert'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.
Colbert'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 Colbert
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Colbert, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 175 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AAAR DENISON I DENISON, TX75020 | Zinc compounds | 175 | 5.9 mi |
ROLL-OFFS USA MEAD, OK73449 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
FLORESTONE LLC DENISON, TX75020 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
AAAR DENISON II DENISON, TX75020 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtBryan 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
Bryan County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Colbert'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. | 4.4 | 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. | 1.68 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colbert compares by contaminant
Explore where Colbert ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colbert's water comes from
Colbert'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 2,312 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Colbert
Colbert is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Colbert
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLBERT PUA | OK2000716 | 2,312 | GW |
How Colbert compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Colbert's score of 68/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Colbert, OK
Wikipedia →Colbert is a town in Bryan County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, Colbert had a population of 1,027. It was incorporated in 1939.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colbert's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bryan
Frequently asked questions
Is Colbert, OK tap water safe to drink?
Colbert's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #127 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Colbert's water?
Lead was measured at 4.4 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Colbert'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 Colbert?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colbert's water come from?
Colbert's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,312 residents.
What health violations has Colbert's water system had?
Colbert has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Colbert's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Colbert 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 48 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 Colbert's water compare to other cities?
Colbert ranks #127 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 65% of state cities) and #11142 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Colbert's small water system affect quality?
Colbert's system serves approximately 2,312 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 48 violations on record.