Is Red Oak, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Red Oak, OK — Water Quality Report
Red Oak's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 993 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 272 violations on record, including 116 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Red Oak's water
Red Oak ranks #242 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.
As a small community water system, Red Oak may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 35 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Red Oak, OK water safe to drink?
Red Oak'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 2 water systems serve approximately 993 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Red Oak
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red Oak's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 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 Red Oak's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Red Oak's water system has 272 total violations on record, including 116 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 35 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Latimer County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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 Fourche Maline Near Red Oak.
Where does Red Oak's water come from?
Red Oak's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 993 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Fourche Maline Near Red Oak (river).
What Red Oak residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Red Oak'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.
Red Oak'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
Flood & disaster history
Latimer County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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 Red Oak compares by contaminant
Explore where Red Oak ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Red Oak's water comes from
Red Oak'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 993 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Red Oak
Red Oak 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 Red Oak
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RED OAK PWA | OK1020105 | 581 | SW |
| LATIMER CO. RWD #4 | OK1020110 | 412 | SW |
How Red Oak compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Red Oak'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 →About Red Oak, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Red Oak's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Latimer
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Oak, OK tap water safe to drink?
Red Oak's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #242 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Red Oak's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 272 violations are on record.
How is Red Oak'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 Red Oak?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Red Oak's water come from?
Red Oak's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 993 residents.
What health violations has Red Oak's water system had?
Red Oak has 116 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. 29 violations remain unresolved.
How does Red Oak's water compare to other cities?
Red Oak ranks #242 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 32% of state cities) and #13371 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.