Is Quapaw, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 51 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Quapaw, OK — Water Quality Report
Quapaw's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,046 residents using groundwater.
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 155 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 51 remain unresolved.
What to know about Quapaw's water
Quapaw ranks #280 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Quapaw 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.
As a small community water system, Quapaw 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 Quapaw, OK water safe to drink?
Quapaw's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,046 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Quapaw
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Quapaw's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1754). 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 Quapaw's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Quapaw's water system has 155 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 51 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ottawa County has experienced 9 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 Elm Creek Near Commerce, Neosho River At Miami, Tar Creek Near Commerce, Tar Creek At 22Nd Street Bridge At Miami, Spring R Nr Baxter Springs.
Where does Quapaw's water come from?
Quapaw's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,046 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Elm Creek Near Commerce (river), Neosho River At Miami (river), Tar Creek Near Commerce (river), Tar Creek At 22Nd Street Bridge At Miami (river), Spring R Nr Baxter Springs (river).
What Quapaw residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Quapaw'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.
Quapaw'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 Quapaw
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Quapaw, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TRACKER MARINE LLC MIAMI, OK74354 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN MIAMI, OK74354 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
NEOFAB LLC MIAMI, OK74354 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
3M TECHNICAL CERAMICS INC. QUAPAW, OK74363 | — | — | 1.6 mi |
UMICORE OPTICAL MATERIALS USA INC. QUAPAW, OK74363 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Quapaw
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- TAR CREEK OTTAWA COUNTY3.1 mi
- CHEROKEE COUNTY9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Ottawa County has experienced 9 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 Quapaw compares by contaminant
Explore where Quapaw ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Quapaw's water comes from
Quapaw'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 1,046 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Quapaw
Quapaw is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Quapaw
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| QUAPAW | OK2005811 | 906 | GW |
| OTTAWA CO RWD # 3 | OK2005806 | 140 | GW |
How Quapaw compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Quapaw's score of 47/100 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 Quapaw, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Quapaw's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ottawa
Frequently asked questions
Is Quapaw, OK tap water safe to drink?
Quapaw's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #280 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Quapaw's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 155 violations are on record.
How is Quapaw'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 Quapaw?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Quapaw's water come from?
Quapaw's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,046 residents.
What health violations has Quapaw's water system had?
Quapaw has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 51 violations remain unresolved.
Is Quapaw's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Quapaw 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 155 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 Quapaw's water compare to other cities?
Quapaw ranks #280 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 22% of state cities) and #13776 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.