Is Ochelata, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 95 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Ochelata, OK — Water Quality Report
Ochelata's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 8,349 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 242 violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 95 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ochelata's water
Ochelata ranks #311 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ochelata 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
The system has seen 64 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ochelata, OK water safe to drink?
Ochelata's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 8,349 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ochelata
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ochelata's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chloramine.
Contaminants: Chloramine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-778). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ochelata's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Ochelata's water system has 242 total violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 95 remain unresolved. 64 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington 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 Sand Creek Below Little Rock Creek Near Okesa, Caney River Near Ramona, Bird Creek At Avant.
Where does Ochelata's water come from?
Ochelata's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 8,349 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sand Creek Below Little Rock Creek Near Okesa (river), Caney River Near Ramona (river), Bird Creek At Avant (river).
What Ochelata residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ochelata'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.
Ochelata'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 droughtDelaware 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
Washington 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ochelata'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. | 5.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ochelata compares by contaminant
Explore where Ochelata ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ochelata's water comes from
Ochelata'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 8,349 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Ochelata
Ochelata is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ochelata
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND LAKE PWA | OK1021691 | 2,800 | GW |
| WASHINGTON CO RWD #2 | OK3007403 | 2,250 | SWP |
| WASHINGTON CO RWD #1 | OK3007401 | 1,375 | SWP |
| OSAGE CO RWD # 1 | OK3005704 | 930 | SWP |
| NOWATA CO RW & S DIST #1 | OK3005304 | 500 | SWP |
| OCHELATA UTILITY AUTHORITY | OK3007414 | 494 | SWP |
How Ochelata compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Ochelata's score of 45/100 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 Ochelata, OK
Wikipedia →Ochelata is a town in Washington County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, Ochelata had a population of 427.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ochelata's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Delaware
Frequently asked questions
Is Ochelata, OK tap water safe to drink?
Ochelata's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #311 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Ochelata's water?
Lead was measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile). 242 violations are on record.
How is Ochelata'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 Ochelata?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ochelata's water come from?
Ochelata's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 8,349 residents.
What health violations has Ochelata's water system had?
Ochelata has 41 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. 95 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ochelata's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ochelata 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 242 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 Ochelata's water compare to other cities?
Ochelata ranks #311 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 13% of state cities) and #14227 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.