Is Oklahoma City, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Chromium-6, Manganese and 1 more were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
38.6/100
waterverge.com Oklahoma City, OK — Water Quality Report
Oklahoma City's drinking water received a grade of F (38.6 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 677,192 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.5 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 3 PFAS compounds in the water supply.
The system has 1387 violations on record, including 56 health-based violations. 100 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oklahoma City's water
Oklahoma City ranks #352 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 23.80 µg/L, above California's 10 µg/L limit. There is no federal MCL, but the EPA is reviewing evidence linking long-term exposure to cancer risk.
As a major metropolitan system serving over 677K residents, Oklahoma City faces large-scale infrastructure challenges including aging pipes and the complexity of treating water across a vast distribution network.
The system has seen 778 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oklahoma City, OK water safe to drink?
Oklahoma City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (38.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 677,192 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Oklahoma City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oklahoma City's water quality assessment. Grade: F (38.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Oklahoma City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.
The "Erin Brockovich" chemical. There is no federal MCL, but California has set a limit of 10 µg/L. Reverse osmosis filtration is effective at removing hexavalent chromium.
PFAS "forever chemicals" detected
UCMR 5 testing found 3 PFAS compounds in Oklahoma City's water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment and the human body.
Violation history
Oklahoma City's water system has 1,387 total violations on record, including 56 health-based violations. 100 remain unresolved. 778 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oklahoma County has experienced 5 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 Hefner At Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner Canal Near Oklahoma City, North Canadian R At Hwy 66 At Oklahoma City, Lake Overholser Near Oklahoma City, North Canadian River Blw Lk Overholser Nr Okc.
Where does Oklahoma City's water come from?
Oklahoma City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 11 water systems serving approximately 677,192 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lake Hefner At Oklahoma City (lake), Lake Hefner Canal Near Oklahoma City (stream), North Canadian R At Hwy 66 At Oklahoma City (river), Lake Overholser Near Oklahoma City (lake), North Canadian River Blw Lk Overholser Nr Okc (river).
What Oklahoma City residents can do
Recommended: Reverse osmosis system. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oklahoma City'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.
Oklahoma 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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Oklahoma City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oklahoma City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 464 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US DOD USAF TINKER AFB TINKER AFB, OK731459100 | Ethylene glycol | 458 | 7.0 mi |
PHILLIPS 66 CO OKLAHOMA CITY PRODUCTS TERMINAL OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73117 | Xylene (mixed isomers) | 6 | 4.4 mi |
MATERIALS PACKAGING CORP OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73135 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 6.0 mi |
OWENS CORNING ROOFING & ASPHALT L.L.C OKLAHOMA CITY OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73117 | Polycyclic aromatic compounds | 0 | 3.6 mi |
TEREX USA LLC OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73128 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Oklahoma City
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- TINKER AIR FORCE BASE SOLDIER CREEK BUILDING 30017.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMurray 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
Oklahoma County has experienced 5 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 Oklahoma City'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. | 4.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | 67.800 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | 0.005 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | 0.005 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oklahoma City compares by contaminant
Explore where Oklahoma City ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oklahoma City's water comes from
Oklahoma City'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 677,192 people through 11 water systems.
Water bodies near Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Oklahoma City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKLAHOMA CITY | OK1020902 | 644,000 | SW |
| TINKER AIR FORCE BASE | OK2005508 | 24,645 | GW |
| FALLS CREEK BAPTIST CONFERENCE CENTER | OK1010840 | 7,000 | SW |
| LAKE FOREST MHP | OK3005557 | 500 | SWP |
| HILLCREST MHP | OK2005513 | 400 | GW |
| ABES RV PARK | OK5005548 | 175 | GW |
| SHERWOOD FOREST MOBILE ESTATES | OK2005532 | 172 | GW |
| HILLTOP MHP | OK4005577 | 125 | GW |
| HOLLIDAY OUTT MHP | OK2005534 | 100 | GW |
| COUNTRY MHP | OK4002610 | 50 | GW |
| GORDON'S HOLLOW HOA | OK3000911 | 25 | SWP |
How Oklahoma City compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Oklahoma City's score of 38.6/100 is below the average of 46/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Oklahoma City, OK
Wikipedia →Oklahoma City, often shortened to OKC, is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It is the 20th-most populous U.S. city and 8th largest in the Southern United States, with a population of 681,054 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Oklahoma County, with the city limits extending into Canadian, Cleveland, and Pottawatomie counties; however, areas beyond Oklahoma County primarily consist of suburban developments or areas designated rural and watershed zones. Oklahoma City ranks as the tenth-largest city by area in the United States when including consolidated city-counties, and second-largest when such consolidations are excluded. It is also the second-largest state capital by area, after Juneau, Alaska. The Oklahoma City metropolitan area, with an estimated 1.49 million residents, is the largest metropolitan area in the state and 42nd-most populous in the country.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oklahoma City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oklahoma
Frequently asked questions
Is Oklahoma City, OK tap water safe to drink?
Oklahoma City's water quality earned a grade of F (38.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #352 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Oklahoma City's water?
Lead was measured at 4.5 ppb (90th percentile). 3 PFAS compounds were detected. 1387 violations are on record.
How is Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma City?
PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.
Where does Oklahoma City's water come from?
Oklahoma City's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 11 water systems serving approximately 677,192 residents.
What health violations has Oklahoma City's water system had?
Oklahoma City has 56 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. 100 violations remain unresolved.
Why does Oklahoma City have so many PFAS compounds in its water?
3 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in Oklahoma City's water supply during UCMR 5 testing. PFAS contamination often originates from proximity to military installations (AFFF firefighting foam), airports, industrial manufacturing sites, or wastewater treatment facilities. While detected, current levels are within EPA limits. An activated carbon filter can further reduce exposure.
How does Oklahoma City's water compare to other cities?
Oklahoma City ranks #352 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 2% of state cities) and #15311 out of 15744 cities nationally (3th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.