Is Council Hill, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but HAA5 was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
51.3/100
waterverge.com Council Hill, OK — Water Quality Report
Council Hill's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,300 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 240 violations on record, including 177 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Council Hill's water
Council Hill ranks #190 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.
Disinfection byproduct (HAA5) levels exceeded the EPA's 60 µg/L maximum contaminant level in UCMR 4 testing (2018–2020). These compounds form when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter and have been linked to increased cancer risk with long-term exposure.
As a small community water system, Council Hill 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 Council Hill, OK water safe to drink?
Council Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,300 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Council Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Council Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3411). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1754). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Council Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Haloacetic acids exceed the EPA limit. These byproducts form when disinfectants react with organic matter in water.
Violation history
Council Hill's water system has 240 total violations on record, including 177 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 35 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Muskogee County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Council Hill's water come from?
Council Hill's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,300 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Council Hill residents can do
Recommended: Activated carbon filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Council Hill'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.
Council Hill'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 droughtMuskogee 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
Muskogee County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Council Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Council Hill ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Council Hill's water comes from
Council Hill'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 1,300 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Council Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUSKOGEE CO. RWD #3 | OK1020710 | 1,300 | SW |
How Council Hill compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Council Hill's score of 51.3/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Council Hill, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Council Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Muskogee
Frequently asked questions
Is Council Hill, OK tap water safe to drink?
Council Hill's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #190 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Council Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 240 violations are on record.
How is Council Hill'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 Council Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Council Hill's water come from?
Council Hill's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,300 residents.
What health violations has Council Hill's water system had?
Council Hill has 177 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Council Hill's water compare to other cities?
Council Hill ranks #190 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 47% of state cities) and #12883 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Council Hill's small water system affect quality?
Council Hill's system serves approximately 1,300 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 240 violations on record.