WaterVerge

Is Oak City, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

785 residents served 2 water systems PWSID: UTAH14010
Overall Score
80.9 / 100
Violations
14 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#72 of 177 in Utah Top 49% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
80.9/100
waterverge.com
B+ 80.9/100

Oak City, UT — Water Quality Report

Oak City's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 785 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 142 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Oak City's water

Oak City ranks #72 out of 177 cities in Utah for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Oak City 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, Oak City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
80.9 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
30.9/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Oak City, UT water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Oak City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 785 residents using groundwater (wells).

14
Active Violations
1.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Oak City

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oak City's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4011). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3223). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oak City's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Oak City's water system has 142 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MONMRTTOtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2022 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2019 E. COLI Resolved
Dec 2018 E. COLI Resolved
Nov 2018 E. COLI Resolved
Oct 2018 E. COLI Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Millard County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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 Sevier River.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4011
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3223
SEVERE STORMS, MUDSLIDES, LANDSLIDES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-720

Where does Oak City's water come from?

Oak City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 785 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sevier River (river).

What Oak City residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oak City's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Oak City'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

142
Total violations
8
Health-based
14
Active / unresolved
Jul 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

142 Total
14 Active
8 Health-based
128 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Total Coliform Rule
24
Inorganic Chemicals
20
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
14
Ground Water Rule
12
Sep 2017 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2016 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2016 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2016 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2016 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2013 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 1998 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2022 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jul 2022
Jan 2019 Resolved
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2019
Dec 2018 Resolved
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Nov 2018 Resolved
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2018
Oct 2018 Resolved
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2018
Sep 2018 Resolved
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2018
Showing 20 of 142 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Millard County is currently in D3 (extreme 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
34.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Aug 2011
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Millard County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1983. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4011
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3223
Aug 1984
SEVERE STORMS, MUDSLIDES, LANDSLIDES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #720
Apr 1983
SEVERE STORMS, LANDSLIDES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #680

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.6 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.4 ppb from 1993 (3.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.6 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
785
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Oak City's water comes from

Groundwater

Oak City'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 785 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Oak City

Oak City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Sevier River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Oak City

System Name PWSID Population Source
OAK CITY WATER SYSTEM UTAH14010 660 GW
OAK MEADOWS SUBDIVISION UTAH14055 125 GW
Regional Comparison

How Oak City compares

Full Utah rankings →

Oak City's score of 80.9/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Oak City (this city)
80.9
Orem
40.7
Sandy
39.5
Lehi
44.9
Utah avg
50
City Profile

About Oak City, UT

Wikipedia →

Oak City is a town in Millard County, Utah, United States. The population was 595 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$69,075
Median Income
$205,516
Median Home Value
1.7%
Unemployment
Community
43.7
Median Age
263
People / sq mi
22%
College Educated
89.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Oak City, UT tap water safe to drink?

Oak City's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #72 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.

What contaminants are in Oak City's water?

Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 142 violations are on record.

How is Oak City'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 Oak City?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Oak City's water come from?

Oak City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 785 residents.

What health violations has Oak City's water system had?

Oak City has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.

Is Oak City's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Oak City 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 142 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 Oak City's water compare to other cities?

Oak City ranks #72 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 59% of state cities) and #7682 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.