Is Coleman, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.6/100
waterverge.com Coleman, OK — Water Quality Report
Coleman's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 85 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Coleman's water
Coleman ranks #59 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Coleman 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, Coleman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Coleman, OK water safe to drink?
Coleman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Coleman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Coleman's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.6/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Vinyl chloride, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
1 health-based. Contaminants: E. COLI, 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 Coleman'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
Coleman's water system has 85 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Johnston 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 Blue River Near Kenefic, Delaware Cr Blw Del Cr Site 9 Rsvr Nr Bromide.
Where does Coleman's water come from?
Coleman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 600 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Blue River Near Kenefic (river), Delaware Cr Blw Del Cr Site 9 Rsvr Nr Bromide (river).
What Coleman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Coleman'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.
Coleman'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtJohnston 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
Johnston 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 Coleman'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. | 1.8 | 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. | 1.56 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.562 mg/L (2013)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Coleman compares by contaminant
Explore where Coleman ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Coleman's water comes from
Coleman'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 600 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Coleman
Coleman is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Coleman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHNSTON CO RWS& SWMD #4 | OK2003503 | 600 | GW |
How Coleman compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Coleman's score of 82.6/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Coleman, OK
Wikipedia →Coleman is a small unincorporated community and census-designated place in Johnston County, Oklahoma, United States. The town was previously known as Ego, which was the name assigned to the post office when it was established in 1895. The post office name was officially changed to "Coleman" on September 10, 1910 due to a tornado that destroyed the town. The Census Bureau defined a census-designated place ("CDP") for Coleman in 2015; the 2010 population within the 2015 CDP boundary was 319 and contained 154 housing units. The population was 290 as of the 2020 Census. Coleman has its own schooling system and 2 general stores.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Coleman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnston
Frequently asked questions
Is Coleman, OK tap water safe to drink?
Coleman's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #59 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Coleman's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 85 violations are on record.
How is Coleman'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 Coleman?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Coleman's water come from?
Coleman's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 600 residents.
What health violations has Coleman's water system had?
Coleman has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Coleman's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Coleman 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 85 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 Coleman's water compare to other cities?
Coleman ranks #59 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 84% of state cities) and #6890 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Coleman's small water system affect quality?
Coleman's system serves approximately 600 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 85 violations on record.