Is Shidler, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
48.5/100
waterverge.com Shidler, OK — Water Quality Report
Shidler's drinking water received a grade of D (48.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,904 residents using ground water under influence.
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 317 violations on record, including 145 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shidler's water
Shidler ranks #260 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Shidler 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, Shidler may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 126 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shidler, OK water safe to drink?
Shidler's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,904 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shidler
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shidler's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.5/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment 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 Shidler's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shidler's water system has 317 total violations on record, including 145 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 126 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Osage County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Shidler's water come from?
Shidler's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,904 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Shidler residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shidler'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.
Shidler'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtOsage 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
Osage County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Shidler compares by contaminant
Explore where Shidler ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shidler's water comes from
Shidler'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 1,904 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Shidler
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSAGE CO RWD #21 | OK2003616 | 1,500 | GU |
| SHIDLER | OK1021203 | 404 | SW |
How Shidler compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Shidler's score of 48.5/100 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 Shidler, OK
Wikipedia →Shidler is a city in Osage County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 328 in the 2020 census, a decline from the figure of 441 recorded in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shidler's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Osage
Frequently asked questions
Is Shidler, OK tap water safe to drink?
Shidler's water quality earned a grade of D (48.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #260 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Shidler's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 317 violations are on record.
How is Shidler'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 Shidler?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shidler's water come from?
Shidler's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,904 residents.
What health violations has Shidler's water system had?
Shidler has 145 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shidler's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shidler 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 317 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 Shidler's water compare to other cities?
Shidler ranks #260 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 27% of state cities) and #13453 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.