WaterVerge

Is Rush Springs, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: OK2002609
Overall Score
92.5 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#9 of 358 in Oklahoma Top 8% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.5/100
waterverge.com
A 92.5/100

Rush Springs, OK — Water Quality Report

Rush Springs's drinking water received a grade of A (92.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,278 residents using groundwater.

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 68 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Rush Springs's water

Rush Springs ranks #9 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Rush Springs 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, Rush Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.5 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
40.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Rush Springs, OK water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Rush Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (92.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,278 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
1.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Rush Springs

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rush Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4274). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.

Violation
25 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Carbon tetrachloride, 1,2-Dichloropropane.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Rush Springs's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Rush Springs's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Apr 2018 E. COLI Open
Jan 2016 Nitrate-Nitrite Resolved
Jan 2014 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved
Jan 2014 Carbon tetrachloride Resolved
Jan 2014 1,2-Dichloropropane Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Grady County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1983. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4274
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3219
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-794

Where does Rush Springs's water come from?

Rush Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,278 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Rush Springs residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rush Springs's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Rush Springs'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 8% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

68
Total violations
5
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Apr 2018
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

68 Total
3 Active
5 Health-based
65 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
41
Total Coliform Rule
17
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
4
Ground Water Rule
3
Nitrate Rule
1
Apr 2018 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2009 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2016 Resolved
Nitrate-Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Jan 2014 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Jan 2014 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2014 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Showing 20 of 68 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Rush Springs

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rush Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
FLOTEK CHEMISTRY LLC
Chemicals · FLOTEK
MARLOW, OK73055
9.9 mi
ENABLE PRODUCTS/COX CITY PROCESSING
Natural Gas Processing · ENERGY TRANSFER LP
RUSH SPRINGS, OK73082
9.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Grady County is currently in D3 (extreme 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
12.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Jul 2016
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Grady County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1983. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jul 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4274
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3219
Jul 1987
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #794
Oct 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #778
Oct 1983
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #693

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.3 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.3 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Rush Springs compares by contaminant

Explore where Rush Springs ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,278
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Rush Springs's water comes from

Groundwater

Rush Springs'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 1,278 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Rush Springs

System Name PWSID Population Source
RUSH SPRINGS OK2002609 1,278 GW
Regional Comparison

How Rush Springs compares

Full Oklahoma rankings →

Rush Springs's score of 92.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Rush Springs (this city)
92.5
Tulsa
48.5
Norman
38.4
Lawton
44.4
Oklahoma avg
45
City Profile

About Rush Springs, OK

Economic Profile
$37,344
Median Income
$71,631
Median Home Value
$650/mo
Median Rent
6.7%
Unemployment
Community
38.7
Median Age
420
People / sq mi
12%
College Educated
63.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Rush Springs, OK tap water safe to drink?

Rush Springs's water quality earned a grade of A (92.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #9 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.

What contaminants are in Rush Springs's water?

Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.

How is Rush Springs'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 Rush Springs?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Rush Springs's water come from?

Rush Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,278 residents.

What health violations has Rush Springs's water system had?

Rush Springs has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

Is Rush Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Rush Springs 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 68 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 Rush Springs's water compare to other cities?

Rush Springs ranks #9 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 97% of state cities) and #1223 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Rush Springs's small water system affect quality?

Rush Springs's system serves approximately 1,278 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 68 violations on record.