Is Colony, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.6/100
waterverge.com Colony, OK — Water Quality Report
Colony's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,032 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.9 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 9 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colony's water
Colony ranks #73 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Colony 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, Colony may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colony, OK water safe to drink?
Colony's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,032 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Colony
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colony's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-778). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Colony's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colony's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washita County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Cobb Creek Near Eakly, Lake Creek Near Eakly.
Where does Colony's water come from?
Colony's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,032 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cobb Creek Near Eakly (river), Lake Creek Near Eakly (river).
What Colony residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Colony'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.
Colony'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
D3 — extreme droughtWashita County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Washita County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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. | 3.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colony compares by contaminant
Explore where Colony ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colony's water comes from
Colony'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 1,032 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Colony
Colony is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Colony
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WASHITA CO RWD #2 | OK2007511 | 1,032 | GW |
How Colony compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Colony's score of 81.6/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Colony, OK
Wikipedia →Colony is a town in northeastern Washita County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, Colony had a population of 112. It was named for the Seger Colony, founded in 1886, which taught modern agricultural techniques to the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes that would be resettled in the vicinity. Colony is 16 miles (26 km) east and 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Cordell.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colony's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washita
Frequently asked questions
Is Colony, OK tap water safe to drink?
Colony's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #73 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Colony's water?
Lead was measured at 3.9 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Colony'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 Colony?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colony's water come from?
Colony's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,032 residents.
What health violations has Colony's water system had?
Colony has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Colony's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Colony 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 9 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 Colony's water compare to other cities?
Colony ranks #73 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 80% of state cities) and #7408 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Colony's small water system affect quality?
Colony's system serves approximately 1,032 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 9 violations on record.