Is Roland, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.9/100
waterverge.com Roland, OK — Water Quality Report
Roland's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,842 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 67 violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Roland's water
Roland ranks #30 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Roland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roland, OK water safe to drink?
Roland's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,842 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Roland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roland's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3411). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1754). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Roland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Roland's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sequoyah County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Arkansas River At Ft. Smith, Ar., Lee Creek At Short, Lee Creek Near Short, Lee Creek At Lee Creek Reservoir Near Van Buren,Ar.
Where does Roland's water come from?
Roland's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,842 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas River At Ft. Smith, Ar. (river), Lee Creek At Short (river), Lee Creek Near Short (river), Lee Creek At Lee Creek Reservoir Near Van Buren,Ar (lake).
What Roland residents can do
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.
Roland'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 Roland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Roland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 263,619 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OK FOODS-FT SMITH FORT SMITH, AR72904 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 253,282 | 7.4 mi |
GERBER PRODUCTS CO FORT SMITH, AR72904 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 10,139 | 7.6 mi |
BEKAERT CORP VAN BUREN, AR72956 | Zinc compounds | 186 | 7.5 mi |
GNB FORT SMITH LLC FORT SMITH, AR72908 | Lead | 12 | 9.3 mi |
PRECISION PACKAGING INC FORT SMITH, AR72904 | Lead | 0 | 7.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSequoyah 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
Sequoyah County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Roland compares by contaminant
Explore where Roland ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roland's water comes from
Roland'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 2,842 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Roland
Roland is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Roland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROLAND | OK1020212 | 2,842 | SW |
How Roland compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Roland's score of 86.9/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Roland, OK
Wikipedia →Roland is a town in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area and the second most populated place in Sequoyah County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sequoyah
Frequently asked questions
Is Roland, OK tap water safe to drink?
Roland's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #30 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Roland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Roland'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 Roland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roland's water come from?
Roland's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,842 residents.
What health violations has Roland's water system had?
Roland has 39 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Roland's water compare to other cities?
Roland ranks #30 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 92% of state cities) and #4381 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Roland's small water system affect quality?
Roland's system serves approximately 2,842 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 67 violations on record.