Is Inola, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
56.3/100
waterverge.com Inola, OK — Water Quality Report
Inola's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,149 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 74 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Inola's water
Inola ranks #163 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, Inola may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Inola, OK water safe to drink?
Inola's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,149 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Inola
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Inola's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.3/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1754). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Inola's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Inola's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rogers County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Inola's water come from?
Inola's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,149 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Inola residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Inola'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.
Inola'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 droughtRogers 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
Rogers County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Inola compares by contaminant
Explore where Inola ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Inola's water comes from
Inola'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 3,149 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Inola
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| INOLA WATER WORKS INC | OK3006612 | 1,589 | SWP |
| ROGERS CO RWD # 6 | OK3006628 | 1,560 | SWP |
How Inola compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Inola's score of 56.3/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Inola, OK
Wikipedia →Inola is a town in Rogers County, Oklahoma, United States. It is included in the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area (TMSA). As of the 2020 census, Inola had a population of 1,890. Inola is a Cherokee word meaning "Black Fox." The town styles itself as "The Hay Capital of the World."
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Inola's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rogers
Frequently asked questions
Is Inola, OK tap water safe to drink?
Inola's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #163 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Inola's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 74 violations are on record.
How is Inola'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 Inola?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Inola's water come from?
Inola's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,149 residents.
What health violations has Inola's water system had?
Inola has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
How does Inola's water compare to other cities?
Inola ranks #163 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 54% of state cities) and #12467 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.