Is Custer City, 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 ↓
78.6/100
waterverge.com Custer City, OK — Water Quality Report
Custer City's drinking water received a grade of B (78.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,353 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.5 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 7 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Custer City's water
Custer City ranks #88 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Custer City 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Custer City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Custer City, OK water safe to drink?
Custer City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,353 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Custer City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Custer City's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-794). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Custer City's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Custer City's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Custer County has experienced 4 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 Washita River Near Clinton.
Where does Custer City's water come from?
Custer City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,353 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Washita River Near Clinton (river).
What Custer City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Custer City'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.
Custer City'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 droughtCuster 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
Custer County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1982. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Custer City'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. | 6.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Custer City compares by contaminant
Explore where Custer City ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Custer City's water comes from
Custer City'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 1,353 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Custer City
Custer City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Custer City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUSTER COUNTY RWD #3 | OK2002040 | 960 | GW |
| CUSTER CITY PWS | OK2002009 | 393 | GW |
How Custer City compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Custer City's score of 78.6/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Custer City, OK
Wikipedia →Custer City is a town in Custer County, Oklahoma, United States. Custer City is northeast of Clinton and northwest of Weatherford along Oklahoma 33. The population was 367 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Custer City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Custer
Frequently asked questions
Is Custer City, OK tap water safe to drink?
Custer City's water quality earned a grade of B (78.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #88 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Custer City's water?
Lead was measured at 6.5 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Custer City'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 Custer City?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Custer City's water come from?
Custer City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,353 residents.
What health violations has Custer City's water system had?
Custer City has 2 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 Custer City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Custer City 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 7 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 Custer City's water compare to other cities?
Custer City ranks #88 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 75% of state cities) and #8607 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.