Is Locust Grove, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 27 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Locust Grove, OK — Water Quality Report
Locust Grove's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,031 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 493 violations on record, including 103 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Locust Grove's water
Locust Grove ranks #228 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.
The system has seen 148 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Locust Grove, OK water safe to drink?
Locust Grove'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 4 water systems serve approximately 5,031 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Locust Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Locust Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence 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 Locust Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Locust Grove's water system has 493 total violations on record, including 103 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 148 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mayes County has experienced 4 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. Local water sources include Lake Hudson Near Locust Grove, Neosho River Near Chouteau.
Where does Locust Grove's water come from?
Locust Grove's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 5,031 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lake Hudson Near Locust Grove (lake), Neosho River Near Chouteau (river).
What Locust Grove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Locust Grove'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.
Locust Grove'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 Locust Grove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Locust Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,268,068 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRYOR SOLAE PRYOR, OK74361 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,252,136 | 6.5 mi |
LSB CHEMICAL L.L.C. PRYOR, OK74361 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 15,892 | 6.8 mi |
GRAND RIVER DAM AUTHORITY COAL FIRED COMPLEX CHOUTEAU, OK74337 | Lead compounds | 38 | 6.6 mi |
GOLD BOND BUILDING PRODUCTS - PRYOR PRYOR, OK74361 | Lead compounds | 1 | 5.4 mi |
INTERPLASTIC CORP PRYOR, OK74361 | Styrene | 1 | 6.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMayes County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Mayes County has experienced 4 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 Locust Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Locust Grove ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Locust Grove's water comes from
Locust Grove'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 5,031 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Locust Grove
Locust Grove is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Locust Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAYES CO RWD # 9 | OK1021678 | 2,578 | SW |
| LOCUST GROVE | OK1021668 | 1,600 | SW |
| MAYES CO RWD # 7 | OK3004627 | 538 | SWP |
| CEDAR CREST COUNTRY CLUB | OK3004636 | 315 | SWP |
How Locust Grove compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Locust Grove'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 Locust Grove, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Locust Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mayes
Frequently asked questions
Is Locust Grove, OK tap water safe to drink?
Locust Grove's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #228 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Locust Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 493 violations are on record.
How is Locust Grove'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 Locust Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Locust Grove's water come from?
Locust Grove's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 5,031 residents.
What health violations has Locust Grove's water system had?
Locust Grove has 103 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
How does Locust Grove's water compare to other cities?
Locust Grove ranks #228 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 36% of state cities) and #13308 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.