Is Olustee, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Olustee, OK — Water Quality Report
Olustee's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 607 residents using purchased surface water.
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 94 violations on record, including 62 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Olustee's water
Olustee ranks #248 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Olustee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Olustee, OK water safe to drink?
Olustee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 607 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Olustee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Olustee's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4274). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Olustee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Olustee's water system has 94 total violations on record, including 62 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 3 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 Salt Fork Red River Near Elmer.
Where does Olustee's water come from?
Olustee's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 607 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Salt Fork Red River Near Elmer (river).
What Olustee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Olustee'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.
Olustee'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
D3 — extreme droughtJackson 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
Jackson County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1983. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Olustee compares by contaminant
Explore where Olustee ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Olustee's water comes from
Olustee'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 607 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Olustee
Olustee is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Olustee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLUSTEE PUBLIC WORKS AUTHORITY | OK3003309 | 607 | SWP |
How Olustee compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Olustee's score of 49/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Olustee, OK
Wikipedia →Olustee is a town in Jackson County, Oklahoma, United States. "Olustee" is said to be a Seminole word meaning "pond" or from the Creek (Muscogee) language ue-lvste (/oy-lást-i/) meaning "black water", and being taken from the Battle of Olustee in Florida. The population was 468 as of the 2020 United States census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Olustee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Olustee, OK tap water safe to drink?
Olustee's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #248 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Olustee's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 94 violations are on record.
How is Olustee'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 Olustee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Olustee's water come from?
Olustee's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 607 residents.
What health violations has Olustee's water system had?
Olustee has 62 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Olustee's water compare to other cities?
Olustee ranks #248 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 31% of state cities) and #13383 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Olustee's small water system affect quality?
Olustee's system serves approximately 607 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 94 violations on record.