Is Preston, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Preston, OK — Water Quality Report
Preston's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,355 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 121 violations on record, including 80 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Preston's water
Preston ranks #296 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.
As a small community water system, Preston may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 29 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Preston, OK water safe to drink?
Preston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,355 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Preston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Preston's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Chloramine.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Preston's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Preston's water system has 121 total violations on record, including 80 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 29 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Okmulgee County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Deep Fork Near Beggs.
Where does Preston's water come from?
Preston's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,355 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Deep Fork Near Beggs (river).
What Preston residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Preston'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.
Preston'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Preston
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Preston, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 48,562 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CP KELCO OKMULGEE, OK74447 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 48,562 | 7.0 mi |
POLYVISION CORP OKMULGEE, OK74447 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtOkmulgee 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
Okmulgee County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Preston compares by contaminant
Explore where Preston ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Preston's water comes from
Preston'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 2,355 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Preston
Preston 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 Preston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKMULGEE CO. RWD #2 (PRESTON) | OK3005604 | 2,355 | SWP |
How Preston compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Preston's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Preston, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Preston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Okmulgee
Frequently asked questions
Is Preston, OK tap water safe to drink?
Preston's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #296 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Preston's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 121 violations are on record.
How is Preston'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 Preston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Preston's water come from?
Preston's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,355 residents.
What health violations has Preston's water system had?
Preston has 80 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.
How does Preston's water compare to other cities?
Preston ranks #296 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 17% of state cities) and #14009 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Preston's small water system affect quality?
Preston's system serves approximately 2,355 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 121 violations on record.