Is Salina, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.5/100
waterverge.com Salina, OK — Water Quality Report
Salina's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,422 residents using purchased 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 89 violations on record, including 68 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Salina's water
Salina ranks #62 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it above 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, Salina may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salina, OK water safe to drink?
Salina's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,422 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Salina
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salina's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Salina's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Salina's water system has 89 total violations on record, including 68 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mayes County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Neosho River Near Langley, Spavinaw Lake At Spavinaw, Lake Hudson Near Locust Grove, Neosho River Near Chouteau.
Where does Salina's water come from?
Salina's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,422 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Neosho River Near Langley (river), Spavinaw Lake At Spavinaw (lake), Lake Hudson Near Locust Grove (lake), Neosho River Near Chouteau (river).
What Salina residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Salina'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.
Salina'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 Salina
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Salina, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,268,068 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRYOR SOLAE PRYOR, OK74361 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,252,136 | 8.2 mi |
LSB CHEMICAL L.L.C. PRYOR, OK74361 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 15,892 | 7.7 mi |
GRAND RIVER DAM AUTHORITY COAL FIRED COMPLEX CHOUTEAU, OK74337 | Lead compounds | 38 | 9.8 mi |
GOLD BOND BUILDING PRODUCTS - PRYOR PRYOR, OK74361 | Lead compounds | 1 | 5.7 mi |
INTERPLASTIC CORP PRYOR, OK74361 | Styrene | 1 | 7.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMayes 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
Mayes County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Salina compares by contaminant
Explore where Salina ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salina's water comes from
Salina'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 1,422 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Salina
Salina 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 Salina
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALINA PWA | OK1021603 | 1,422 | SWP |
How Salina compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Salina's score of 82.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Salina, OK
Wikipedia →Salina is a city in and the county seat of Saline County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 46,889.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Salina's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mayes
Frequently asked questions
Is Salina, OK tap water safe to drink?
Salina's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #62 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Salina's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 89 violations are on record.
How is Salina'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 Salina?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salina's water come from?
Salina's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,422 residents.
What health violations has Salina's water system had?
Salina has 68 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Salina's water compare to other cities?
Salina ranks #62 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 83% of state cities) and #6928 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Salina's small water system affect quality?
Salina's system serves approximately 1,422 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 89 violations on record.