Is Red Rock, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Red Rock, OK — Water Quality Report
Red Rock's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 543 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 437 violations on record, including 166 health-based violations. 52 remain unresolved.
What to know about Red Rock's water
Red Rock ranks #319 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, Red Rock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 77 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Red Rock, OK water safe to drink?
Red Rock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 543 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Red Rock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3411). 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 Rock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Red Rock's water system has 437 total violations on record, including 166 health-based violations. 52 remain unresolved. 77 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Noble 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 Red Rock's water come from?
Red Rock's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 543 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Red Rock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Red Rock'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 Rock'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 Red Rock
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Red Rock, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 11 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OGE ENERGY CORP SOONER GENERATING STATION RED ROCK, OK74651 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 11 | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtNoble 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
Noble 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 Red Rock'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. | 1.3 | 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. | 1.49 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Red Rock compares by contaminant
Explore where Red Rock ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Red Rock's water comes from
Red Rock'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 543 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Red Rock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RED ROCK | OK2005202 | 293 | SWP |
| OTOE-MISSOURIA TRIBE | OK1021222 | 250 | SW |
How Red Rock compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Red Rock's score of 45/100 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 Red Rock, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Red Rock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Noble
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Rock, OK tap water safe to drink?
Red Rock's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #319 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Red Rock's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 437 violations are on record.
How is Red Rock'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 Rock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Red Rock's water come from?
Red Rock's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 543 residents.
What health violations has Red Rock's water system had?
Red Rock has 166 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. 52 violations remain unresolved.
How does Red Rock's water compare to other cities?
Red Rock ranks #319 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 11% of state cities) and #14313 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.