Is Okeene, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
54.7/100
waterverge.com Okeene, OK — Water Quality Report
Okeene's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 11.6 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 181 violations on record, including 114 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Okeene's water
Okeene ranks #167 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Okeene 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.
As a small community water system, Okeene may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Okeene, OK water safe to drink?
Okeene's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Okeene
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Okeene's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Okeene'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Okeene's water system has 181 total violations on record, including 114 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Blaine County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Okeene's water come from?
Okeene's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Okeene residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Okeene'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.
Okeene'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 Okeene
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Okeene, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US GYPSUM SOUTHARD, OK73770 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBlaine 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Blaine County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1982. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Okeene'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. | 11.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
| 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. | 1.85 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Okeene compares by contaminant
Explore where Okeene ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Okeene's water comes from
Okeene'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 2,200 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Okeene
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKEENE | OK2000612 | 1,240 | GW |
| NORTH BLAINE WATER CORP | OK2000606 | 960 | GW |
How Okeene compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Okeene's score of 54.7/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Okeene, OK
Wikipedia →Okeene is a town in Blaine County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,090 as of the 2020 United States census. The name was created by combining the last letters of Cherokee and Cheyenne.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Okeene's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Blaine
Frequently asked questions
Is Okeene, OK tap water safe to drink?
Okeene's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #167 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Okeene's water?
Lead was measured at 11.6 ppb (90th percentile). 181 violations are on record.
How is Okeene'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 Okeene?
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 Okeene's water come from?
Okeene's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,200 residents.
What health violations has Okeene's water system had?
Okeene has 114 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Okeene's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Okeene 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 181 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 Okeene's water compare to other cities?
Okeene ranks #167 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 53% of state cities) and #12584 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.