WaterVerge

Is Haskell, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: OK2005111
Overall Score
46 / 100
Violations
24 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#298 of 358 in Oklahoma Top 89% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
DGRADE
Water Quality Grade
46/100
waterverge.com
D 46/100

Haskell, OK — Water Quality Report

Haskell's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,015 residents using groundwater.

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 203 violations on record, including 109 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Haskell's water

Haskell ranks #298 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Haskell 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, Haskell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 40 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
46 out of 100 Grade D
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Haskell, OK water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Haskell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,015 residents using groundwater (wells).

24
Active Violations
1.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Haskell

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Haskell's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

3 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

3 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3411). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

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 Haskell's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.06 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Haskell's water system has 203 total violations on record, including 109 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 40 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MCLTTRPTOtherMR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2025 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2025 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2025 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2025 TTHM Resolved

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. Local water sources include Arkansas River Near Haskell.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3411
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1754
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3219

Where does Haskell's water come from?

Haskell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,015 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas River Near Haskell (river).

What Haskell residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Haskell's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Haskell'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.06 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

203
Total violations
109
Health-based
24
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

203 Total
24 Active
109 Health-based
179 Resolved
73 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
124
Total Coliform Rule
28
Volatile Organic Chemicals
20
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
8
Lead and Copper Rule
7
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2021 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2020 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2019 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2017 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2017 Active
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2016 Active
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2016 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2016 Active
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2016 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2010 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2009 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 203 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Muskogee 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.

8.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
11
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
May 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

May 2019
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3411
May 2008
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1754
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3219
Oct 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #778

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Haskell's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.06 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.3 ppb from 1999 (8.0 ppb) to 2027 (1.7 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 2.124 mg/L from 1999 (4.184 mg/L) to 2013 (2.060 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,015
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Groundwater
1
Purchased Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Haskell's water comes from

Groundwater

Haskell'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 2,015 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Haskell

Haskell is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Arkansas River Near Haskell
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Haskell

System Name PWSID Population Source
HASKELL PWA-WELLS OK2005111 1,765 GW
HASKELL PWA-SWP OK3005122 250 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Haskell compares

Full Oklahoma rankings →

Haskell's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Haskell (this city)
46
Tulsa
48.5
Norman
38.4
Lawton
44.4
Oklahoma avg
45
City Profile

About Haskell, OK

Wikipedia →

Haskell is a city in Muskogee County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,626 at the 2020 census, down from 2,007 in 2010. Haskell was established in 1904 on the Midland Valley Railroad. It was named for townsite developer Charles N. Haskell, who became the first governor of the state of Oklahoma in 1907.

Economic Profile
$35,119
Median Income
$113,183
Median Home Value
$808/mo
Median Rent
7.4%
Unemployment
Community
47.4
Median Age
140
People / sq mi
14.1%
College Educated
77%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Haskell, OK tap water safe to drink?

Haskell's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #298 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.

What contaminants are in Haskell's water?

Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 203 violations are on record.

How is Haskell'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 Haskell?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Haskell's water come from?

Haskell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,015 residents.

What health violations has Haskell's water system had?

Haskell has 109 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. 24 violations remain unresolved.

Is Haskell's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Haskell 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 203 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 Haskell's water compare to other cities?

Haskell ranks #298 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 17% of state cities) and #14021 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.