Is Howe, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.9/100
waterverge.com Howe, OK — Water Quality Report
Howe's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,593 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 39 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Howe's water
Howe ranks #110 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Howe may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Howe, OK water safe to drink?
Howe's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,593 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Howe
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Howe's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Howe's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Howe's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Howe's water come from?
Howe's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,593 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Howe residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Howe'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Howe
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Howe, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OK FOODS INC-HEAVENER (BACHOCO USA) HEAVENER, OK74937 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
OK FOODS INC-HEAVENER FEED MILL HEAVENER, OK74937 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
OLDCASTLE INFRASTRUCTURE INC POTEAU, OK74953 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtLe Flore 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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Howe compares by contaminant
Explore where Howe ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Howe's water comes from
Howe'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 1,593 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Howe
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEFLORE CO. RWD #5 | OK3004010 | 1,593 | SWP |
How Howe compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Howe's score of 73.9/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Howe, OK
Wikipedia →Howe is a town in Le Flore County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, Howe had a population of 625. The town was once noted for producing coal and coke, but today is chiefly supported by agriculture.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Howe's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Le Flore
Frequently asked questions
Is Howe, OK tap water safe to drink?
Howe's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #110 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Howe's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Howe'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 Howe?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Howe's water come from?
Howe's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,593 residents.
What health violations has Howe's water system had?
Howe has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Howe's water compare to other cities?
Howe ranks #110 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 69% of state cities) and #9988 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Howe's small water system affect quality?
Howe's system serves approximately 1,593 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 39 violations on record.