Is Pawnee, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 60 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Pawnee, OK — Water Quality Report
Pawnee's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 4,040 residents using 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 577 violations on record, including 276 health-based violations. 60 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pawnee's water
Pawnee ranks #230 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.
The system has seen 117 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pawnee, OK water safe to drink?
Pawnee'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 5 water systems serve approximately 4,040 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pawnee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pawnee's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, TTHM, Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3411). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1754). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pawnee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pawnee's water system has 577 total violations on record, including 276 health-based violations. 60 remain unresolved. 117 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pawnee 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 Black Bear Creek At Pawnee.
Where does Pawnee's water come from?
Pawnee's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 4,040 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Black Bear Creek At Pawnee (river).
What Pawnee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pawnee'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.
Pawnee'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 droughtPawnee 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
Pawnee 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.
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 Pawnee compares by contaminant
Explore where Pawnee ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pawnee's water comes from
Pawnee'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 4,040 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Pawnee
Pawnee 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 Pawnee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAWNEE | OK1021209 | 2,230 | SW |
| PAWNEE CO RWD #3 | OK3005911 | 685 | SWP |
| Pawnee Tribal Complex | 064026001 | 485 | GW |
| PAWNEE CO RWD #4 | OK3005913 | 415 | SWP |
| PAWNEE COUNTY RWD #5 | OK3005902 | 225 | GWP |
How Pawnee compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Pawnee'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 →ZIP codes served by Pawnee
The water systems serving Pawnee cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Pawnee, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pawnee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pawnee
Frequently asked questions
Is Pawnee, OK tap water safe to drink?
Pawnee's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #230 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Pawnee's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 577 violations are on record.
How is Pawnee'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 Pawnee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pawnee's water come from?
Pawnee's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 4,040 residents.
What health violations has Pawnee's water system had?
Pawnee has 276 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 60 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pawnee's water compare to other cities?
Pawnee ranks #230 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 36% of state cities) and #13316 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.