Is Kiowa, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 34 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Kiowa, OK — Water Quality Report
Kiowa's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 856 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 322 violations on record, including 197 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kiowa's water
Kiowa ranks #244 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it below average 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, Kiowa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 76 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kiowa, OK water safe to drink?
Kiowa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 856 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kiowa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kiowa's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Kiowa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kiowa's water system has 322 total violations on record, including 197 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved. 76 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pittsburg County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Kiowa's water come from?
Kiowa's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 856 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Kiowa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kiowa'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.
Kiowa'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 Kiowa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kiowa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US ARMY MCALESTER ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT MCALESTER, OK74501 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPittsburg 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
Pittsburg County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kiowa compares by contaminant
Explore where Kiowa ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kiowa's water comes from
Kiowa'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 856 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Kiowa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIOWA | OK1020611 | 731 | SW |
| ATOKA CO. RWD #1 (WARDVILLE) | OK3000305 | 125 | SWP |
How Kiowa compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Kiowa's score of 49/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Kiowa, OK
Wikipedia →Kiowa is a town in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, the community had 595 residents.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kiowa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pittsburg
Frequently asked questions
Is Kiowa, OK tap water safe to drink?
Kiowa's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #244 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Kiowa's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 322 violations are on record.
How is Kiowa'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 Kiowa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kiowa's water come from?
Kiowa's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 856 residents.
What health violations has Kiowa's water system had?
Kiowa has 197 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 34 violations remain unresolved.
How does Kiowa's water compare to other cities?
Kiowa ranks #244 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 32% of state cities) and #13375 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.