Is Goodwell, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65/100
waterverge.com Goodwell, OK — Water Quality Report
Goodwell's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,398 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 136 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Goodwell's water
Goodwell ranks #139 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Goodwell 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, Goodwell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Goodwell, OK water safe to drink?
Goodwell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,398 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Goodwell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Goodwell's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite, Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Goodwell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Goodwell's water system has 136 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Texas County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Beaver River Near Goodwell.
Where does Goodwell's water come from?
Goodwell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,398 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Beaver River Near Goodwell (river).
What Goodwell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Goodwell'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.
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 droughtTexas 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
Texas County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Goodwell compares by contaminant
Explore where Goodwell ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Goodwell's water comes from
Goodwell'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 state ownership and serves approximately 2,398 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Goodwell
Goodwell is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Goodwell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PANHANDLE STATE UNIVERSITY | OK2007002 | 1,200 | GW |
| GOODWELL | OK2007005 | 1,198 | GW |
How Goodwell compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Goodwell's score of 65/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Goodwell, OK
Wikipedia →Goodwell is a town in Texas County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town's population was 951. Goodwell is home to Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Goodwell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Texas
Frequently asked questions
Is Goodwell, OK tap water safe to drink?
Goodwell's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #139 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Goodwell's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 136 violations are on record.
How is Goodwell'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 Goodwell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Goodwell's water come from?
Goodwell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,398 residents.
What health violations has Goodwell's water system had?
Goodwell has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Goodwell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Goodwell 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 136 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 Goodwell's water compare to other cities?
Goodwell ranks #139 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 61% of state cities) and #11590 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.