Is Ratliff City, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
31/100
waterverge.com Ratliff City, OK — Water Quality Report
Ratliff City's drinking water received a grade of F (31 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,131 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 33.1 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 57 violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ratliff City's water
Ratliff City ranks #358 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Ratliff City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ratliff City, OK water safe to drink?
Ratliff City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (31/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,131 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ratliff City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ratliff City's water quality assessment. Grade: F (31/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-794). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ratliff City's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Ratliff City's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carter County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 Ratliff City's water come from?
Ratliff City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,131 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Ratliff City residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ratliff City'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.
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 Ratliff City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ratliff City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VELMA GAS PLANT VELMA, OK73491 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCarter 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
Carter County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ratliff City'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. | 33.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ratliff City compares by contaminant
Explore where Ratliff City ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ratliff City's water comes from
Ratliff City'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 2,131 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Ratliff City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WESTERN CARTER CO WATER CORP | OK2001003 | 2,000 | SWP |
| RATLIFF CITY | OK3001004 | 131 | SWP |
How Ratliff City compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Ratliff City's score of 31/100 is below the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ratliff City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carter
Frequently asked questions
Is Ratliff City, OK tap water safe to drink?
Ratliff City's water quality earned a grade of F (31/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #358 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Ratliff City's water?
Lead was measured at 33.1 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is Ratliff City'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 Ratliff City?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ratliff City's water come from?
Ratliff City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,131 residents.
What health violations has Ratliff City's water system had?
Ratliff City has 45 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ratliff City's water compare to other cities?
Ratliff City ranks #358 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 0% of state cities) and #15666 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.