Is Pond Creek, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
67/100
waterverge.com Pond Creek, OK — Water Quality Report
Pond Creek's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,182 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.5 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 46 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pond Creek's water
Pond Creek ranks #131 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Pond Creek 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, Pond Creek 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 Pond Creek, OK water safe to drink?
Pond Creek's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,182 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pond Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pond Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Pond Creek'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
Pond Creek's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grant County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Pond Creek's water come from?
Pond Creek's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,182 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pond Creek residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pond Creek'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.
Pond Creek'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
D2 — severe droughtGrant County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Grant County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pond Creek'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. | 5.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.74 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pond Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Pond Creek ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pond Creek's water comes from
Pond Creek'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 1,182 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Pond Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POND CREEK | OK2002702 | 982 | GW |
| SW WATER INC | OK3002706 | 200 | GWP |
How Pond Creek compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Pond Creek's score of 67/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Pond Creek, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pond Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grant
Frequently asked questions
Is Pond Creek, OK tap water safe to drink?
Pond Creek's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #131 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Pond Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Pond Creek'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 Pond Creek?
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 Pond Creek's water come from?
Pond Creek's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,182 residents.
What health violations has Pond Creek's water system had?
Pond Creek has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pond Creek's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pond Creek 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 46 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 Pond Creek's water compare to other cities?
Pond Creek ranks #131 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 63% of state cities) and #11295 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.