Is Krebs, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
54/100
waterverge.com Krebs, OK — Water Quality Report
Krebs's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,051 residents using 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 102 violations on record, including 68 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Krebs's water
Krebs ranks #172 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, Krebs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Krebs, OK water safe to drink?
Krebs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,051 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Krebs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Krebs's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Krebs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Krebs's water system has 102 total violations on record, including 68 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 14 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 Krebs's water come from?
Krebs's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,051 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Krebs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Krebs'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.
Krebs'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 Krebs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Krebs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 19 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EURECAT US MCALESTER, OK74501 | Molybdenum trioxide | 19 | 3.3 mi |
US ARMY MCALESTER ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT MCALESTER, OK74501 | — | — | 9.4 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Krebs compares by contaminant
Explore where Krebs ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Krebs's water comes from
Krebs'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 2,051 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Krebs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KREBS UTILITY AUTHORITY | OK1020606 | 2,051 | SW |
How Krebs compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Krebs's score of 54/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Krebs, OK
Wikipedia →Krebs is a city in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 2,083 at the time of the 2020 United States census, up 1.5% from the 2,053 reported at the 2010 census, which in turn was a slight increase from the 2,051 reported in 2000. Its nickname is "Little Italy." Krebs was founded before Oklahoma statehood as a coal-mining town in the Choctaw Nation of Indian Territory.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Krebs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pittsburg
Frequently asked questions
Is Krebs, OK tap water safe to drink?
Krebs's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #172 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Krebs's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 102 violations are on record.
How is Krebs'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 Krebs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Krebs's water come from?
Krebs's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,051 residents.
What health violations has Krebs's water system had?
Krebs has 68 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Krebs's water compare to other cities?
Krebs ranks #172 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 52% of state cities) and #12645 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Krebs's small water system affect quality?
Krebs's system serves approximately 2,051 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 102 violations on record.