Is Panama, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
60.5/100
waterverge.com Panama, OK — Water Quality Report
Panama's drinking water received a grade of C (60.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 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 46 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Panama's water
Panama ranks #155 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Panama may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Panama, OK water safe to drink?
Panama's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Panama
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Panama's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Panama's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Panama's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Panama's water come from?
Panama's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Poteau River Near Panama (river).
What Panama residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Panama'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.
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 Panama
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Panama, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 956 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OGE ENERGY CORP RIVER VALLEY GENERATING STATION PANAMA, OK74951 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 956 | 0.3 mi |
OLDCASTLE INFRASTRUCTURE INC POTEAU, OK74953 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtLe Flore 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.
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 Panama compares by contaminant
Explore where Panama ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Panama's water comes from
Panama'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 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Panama
Panama 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 Panama
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PANAMA PWA | OK3004016 | 1,400 | SWP |
How Panama compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Panama's score of 60.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Panama, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Panama's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Le Flore
Frequently asked questions
Is Panama, OK tap water safe to drink?
Panama's water quality earned a grade of C (60.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #155 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Panama's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Panama'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 Panama?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Panama's water come from?
Panama's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
What health violations has Panama's water system had?
Panama has 24 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Panama's water compare to other cities?
Panama ranks #155 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 57% of state cities) and #12083 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Panama's small water system affect quality?
Panama's system serves approximately 1,400 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 46 violations on record.