Is Colcord, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 27 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49.5/100
waterverge.com Colcord, OK — Water Quality Report
Colcord's drinking water received a grade of D (49.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,731 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 112 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colcord's water
Colcord ranks #224 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it below average 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, Colcord may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 35 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colcord, OK water safe to drink?
Colcord's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,731 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Colcord
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colcord's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49.5/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
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 Colcord's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colcord's water system has 112 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 35 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Delaware County has experienced 4 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. Local water sources include Spavinaw Creek Near Maysville, Spavinaw Creek Near Cherokee City, Spavinaw Creek Near Sycamore, Spavinaw Creek Near Colcord, Beaty Creek Near Jay.
Where does Colcord's water come from?
Colcord's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,731 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Spavinaw Creek Near Maysville (river), Spavinaw Creek Near Cherokee City (river), Spavinaw Creek Near Sycamore (river), Spavinaw Creek Near Colcord (river), Beaty Creek Near Jay (river).
What Colcord residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Colcord'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.
Colcord'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 Colcord
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Colcord, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 107,281 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER FLINT CREEK PLANT GENTRY, AR72734 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 107,281 | 9.5 mi |
MAC HOLDINGS INC DBA MID-AMERICA CABINETS GENTRY, AR72734 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtDelaware 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
Delaware County has experienced 4 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colcord compares by contaminant
Explore where Colcord ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colcord's water comes from
Colcord'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 1,731 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Colcord
Colcord is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Colcord
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST SILOAM SPRINGS | OK3002109 | 877 | SWP |
| COLCORD PWA | OK2002157 | 819 | SWP |
| NEW LIFE RANCH, FLINT VALLEY | OK2002151 | 35 | GW |
How Colcord compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Colcord's score of 49.5/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Colcord, OK
Wikipedia →Colcord is a town in southern Delaware County, Oklahoma, United States. The community lies in the northeastern part of the state in a region known as Green Country. As of the 2020 census, Colcord had a population of 728.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colcord's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Delaware
Frequently asked questions
Is Colcord, OK tap water safe to drink?
Colcord's water quality earned a grade of D (49.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #224 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Colcord's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 112 violations are on record.
How is Colcord'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 Colcord?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colcord's water come from?
Colcord's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,731 residents.
What health violations has Colcord's water system had?
Colcord has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
How does Colcord's water compare to other cities?
Colcord ranks #224 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 37% of state cities) and #13239 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.