Is Oakwood, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
58/100
waterverge.com Oakwood, TX — Water Quality Report
Oakwood's drinking water received a grade of C- (58 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,738 residents using groundwater.
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 87 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oakwood's water
Oakwood ranks #715 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Oakwood 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, Oakwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oakwood, TX water safe to drink?
Oakwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,738 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oakwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oakwood's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oakwood'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
Oakwood's water system has 87 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Leon County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Town Ck At Fm 645 Nr Palestine, Trinity Rv Nr Oakwood, Upper Keechi Ck Nr Oakwood.
Where does Oakwood's water come from?
Oakwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,738 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Town Ck At Fm 645 Nr Palestine (river), Trinity Rv Nr Oakwood (river), Upper Keechi Ck Nr Oakwood (river).
What Oakwood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oakwood'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.
Oakwood'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 Oakwood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oakwood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POTTERS - PALESTINE PALESTINE, TX75801 | Lead | 0 | 7.2 mi |
SANDERSON FARMS OAKWOOD FEED MILL OAKWOOD, TX75855 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
TEXAS MISCELLANEOUS IRON OAKWOOD, TX75855 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFreestone 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
Leon County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Oakwood'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.37 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.370 mg/L (2016)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Oakwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Oakwood ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oakwood's water comes from
Oakwood'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 2,738 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Oakwood
Oakwood is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oakwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUTLER WSC | TX0810013 | 1,842 | GW |
| SAINT PAUL SHILOH TIMESVILLE WSC | TX1450010 | 507 | GW |
| CITY OF OAKWOOD | TX1450003 | 389 | GW |
How Oakwood compares
Full Texas rankings →Oakwood's score of 58/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Oakwood, TX
Wikipedia →Oakwood is a town in Leon and Freestone counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 389 at the 2020 census. It was founded in 1872 as a stop on the International Railroad.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oakwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Freestone
Frequently asked questions
Is Oakwood, TX tap water safe to drink?
Oakwood's water quality earned a grade of C- (58/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #715 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Oakwood's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 87 violations are on record.
How is Oakwood'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 Oakwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oakwood's water come from?
Oakwood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,738 residents.
What health violations has Oakwood's water system had?
Oakwood has 4 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. 43 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oakwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oakwood 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 87 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 Oakwood's water compare to other cities?
Oakwood ranks #715 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 33% of state cities) and #12323 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.