Is Cordell, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.6/100
waterverge.com Cordell, OK — Water Quality Report
Cordell's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,903 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 71 violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cordell's water
Cordell ranks #128 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Cordell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cordell, OK water safe to drink?
Cordell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,903 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cordell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cordell's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Cordell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cordell's water system has 71 total violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 17 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.
Where does Cordell's water come from?
Cordell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,903 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Cordell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cordell'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.
Cordell'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cordell compares by contaminant
Explore where Cordell ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cordell's water comes from
Cordell'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 2,903 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cordell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW CORDELL UTILITY AUTHORITY | OK2007502 | 2,903 | SWP |
How Cordell compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Cordell's score of 67.6/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Cordell, OK
Wikipedia →New Cordell is a city in and the county seat of Washita County, Oklahoma, United States. It lies along U.S. Route 183. The population was 2,775 at the time of the 2020 Census. The community was previously established a few miles from the current site, but was moved about 1900. It was named for a U.S. Postal Service employee in Washington D. C., Wayne W. Cordell. The official name is New Cordell, though it is now commonly called Cordell.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cordell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washita
Frequently asked questions
Is Cordell, OK tap water safe to drink?
Cordell's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #128 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Cordell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 71 violations are on record.
How is Cordell'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 Cordell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cordell's water come from?
Cordell's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,903 residents.
What health violations has Cordell's water system had?
Cordell has 46 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cordell's water compare to other cities?
Cordell ranks #128 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 64% of state cities) and #11210 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 Cordell's small water system affect quality?
Cordell's system serves approximately 2,903 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 71 violations on record.