Is Fort Towson, 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 ↓
70.4/100
waterverge.com Fort Towson, OK — Water Quality Report
Fort Towson's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 611 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 85 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Towson's water
Fort Towson ranks #122 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Fort Towson 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.
As a small community water system, Fort Towson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Towson, OK water safe to drink?
Fort Towson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 611 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Towson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Towson's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.4/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Towson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fort Towson's water system has 85 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Choctaw County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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 Fort Towson's water come from?
Fort Towson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 611 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fort Towson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Towson'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.
Fort Towson'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 Fort Towson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fort Towson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 103,665 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO VALLIANT, OK74764 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 103,665 | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtChoctaw 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
Choctaw County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Towson compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Towson ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Towson's water comes from
Fort Towson'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 611 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fort Towson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORT TOWSON | OK2001207 | 611 | GU |
How Fort Towson compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Fort Towson's score of 70.4/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Fort Towson, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Towson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Choctaw
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Towson, OK tap water safe to drink?
Fort Towson's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #122 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Fort Towson's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 85 violations are on record.
How is Fort Towson'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 Fort Towson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Towson's water come from?
Fort Towson's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 611 residents.
What health violations has Fort Towson's water system had?
Fort Towson has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fort Towson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Towson 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 85 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 Fort Towson's water compare to other cities?
Fort Towson ranks #122 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 66% of state cities) and #10745 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fort Towson's small water system affect quality?
Fort Towson's system serves approximately 611 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 85 violations on record.