Is Elmore City, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86/100
waterverge.com Elmore City, OK — Water Quality Report
Elmore City's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,863 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 68 violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elmore City's water
Elmore City ranks #39 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it above 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.
As a small community water system, Elmore City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elmore City, OK water safe to drink?
Elmore City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,863 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Elmore City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elmore City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4274). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Xylenes, Total.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elmore City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elmore City's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Garvin County has experienced 5 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 Washita River Near Pauls Valley, Wildhorse Creek Near Hoover.
Where does Elmore City's water come from?
Elmore City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,863 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Washita River Near Pauls Valley (river), Wildhorse Creek Near Hoover (river).
What Elmore City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elmore 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.
Elmore 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
D1 — moderate droughtGarvin 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
Garvin County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elmore City compares by contaminant
Explore where Elmore City ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elmore City's water comes from
Elmore City'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 1,863 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Elmore City
Elmore City 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 Elmore City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELMORE CITY RW CORP | OK3002505 | 1,107 | SWP |
| ELMORE CITY | OK2002521 | 756 | SWP |
How Elmore City compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Elmore City's score of 86/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Elmore City, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elmore City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Garvin
Frequently asked questions
Is Elmore City, OK tap water safe to drink?
Elmore City's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #39 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Elmore City's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Elmore 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 Elmore City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elmore City's water come from?
Elmore City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,863 residents.
What health violations has Elmore City's water system had?
Elmore City has 31 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Elmore City's water compare to other cities?
Elmore City ranks #39 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 89% of state cities) and #4990 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.