Is Cookson, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Cookson, OK — Water Quality Report
Cookson's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,512 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 433 violations on record, including 102 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cookson's water
Cookson ranks #316 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.
As a small community water system, Cookson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 224 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cookson, OK water safe to drink?
Cookson'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 5 water systems serve approximately 2,512 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cookson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cookson's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
3 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine, CARBON, TOTAL, Revised Total Coliform 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 Cookson'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
Cookson's water system has 433 total violations on record, including 102 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 224 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cherokee County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Caney Creek Near Barber, Illinois River Near Gore.
Where does Cookson's water come from?
Cookson's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,512 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Caney Creek Near Barber (river), Illinois River Near Gore (river).
What Cookson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cookson'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.
Cookson'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 Cookson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cookson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
APAC-CENTRAL INC. ROBERTS ASPHALT 4037 TAHLEQUAH, OK74464 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCherokee County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Cherokee County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cookson'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. | 0.6 | 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. | 1.97 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cookson compares by contaminant
Explore where Cookson ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cookson's water comes from
Cookson'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 2,512 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Cookson
Cookson is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cookson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEROKEE CO. RWD #13 | OK1021721 | 1,640 | SW |
| CHEROKEE CO. RWD # 16 (CHICKEN CREEK) | OK1021707 | 272 | SW |
| CHEROKEE CO. RWD # 16 (WILDCAT) | OK1021703 | 200 | SW |
| CHEROKEE CO. RWD # 16 (WOODHAVEN) | OK1021727 | 200 | SW |
| CHEROKEE CO. RWD # 16 (LAKEWOOD) | OK1021731 | 200 | SW |
How Cookson compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Cookson'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 Cookson, OK
Wikipedia →Cookson is a community and census-designated place in the Cookson Hills of Cherokee County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 826 as of the 2020 Census. The post office opened April 11, 1895. The ZIP Code is 74427. It is said to have been named for the first postmaster, John H. Cookson.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cookson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cherokee
Frequently asked questions
Is Cookson, OK tap water safe to drink?
Cookson's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #316 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Cookson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 433 violations are on record.
How is Cookson'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 Cookson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cookson's water come from?
Cookson's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,512 residents.
What health violations has Cookson's water system had?
Cookson has 102 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cookson's water compare to other cities?
Cookson ranks #316 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 12% of state cities) and #14275 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.