Is Konawa, 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 ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Konawa, OK — Water Quality Report
Konawa's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,479 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.8 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 297 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Konawa's water
Konawa ranks #299 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Konawa 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, Konawa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 263 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Konawa, OK water safe to drink?
Konawa'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 1 water system serves approximately 1,479 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Konawa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Konawa's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Gross Beta Particle Activity, Combined Uranium.
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 Konawa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Konawa's water system has 297 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 263 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Seminole County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Konawa's water come from?
Konawa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,479 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Konawa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Konawa'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Konawa'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 droughtSeminole 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
Seminole County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Konawa's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 4.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.20 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.200 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Konawa compares by contaminant
Explore where Konawa ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Konawa's water comes from
Konawa'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 1,479 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Konawa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KONAWA PWA | OK2006704 | 1,479 | GW |
How Konawa compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Konawa'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.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Konawa, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Konawa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Seminole
Frequently asked questions
Is Konawa, OK tap water safe to drink?
Konawa's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #299 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Konawa's water?
Lead was measured at 4.8 ppb (90th percentile). 297 violations are on record.
How is Konawa'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 Konawa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Konawa's water come from?
Konawa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,479 residents.
What health violations has Konawa's water system had?
Konawa has 19 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Konawa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Konawa 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 297 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 Konawa's water compare to other cities?
Konawa ranks #299 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 16% of state cities) and #14042 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.
Does Konawa's small water system affect quality?
Konawa's system serves approximately 1,479 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 297 violations on record.