Is Snyder, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Snyder, OK — Water Quality Report
Snyder's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,509 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.2 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 245 violations on record, including 129 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Snyder's water
Snyder ranks #278 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Snyder may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 78 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Snyder, OK water safe to drink?
Snyder's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,509 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Snyder
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Snyder's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-794). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Snyder's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Snyder's water system has 245 total violations on record, including 129 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 78 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kiowa County has experienced 4 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. Local water sources include Otter Creek Near Snyder.
Where does Snyder's water come from?
Snyder's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,509 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Otter Creek Near Snyder (river).
What Snyder residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Snyder'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Snyder'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
D3 — extreme droughtKiowa 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Kiowa County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1983. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Snyder'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. | 5.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Snyder compares by contaminant
Explore where Snyder ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Snyder's water comes from
Snyder'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 1,509 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Snyder
Snyder is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Snyder
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNYDER PUBLIC WORKS AUTHORITY | OK1011503 | 1,509 | SW |
How Snyder compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Snyder's score of 47/100 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 Snyder, OK
Wikipedia →Snyder is a city in Kiowa County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,301 at the time of the 2020 Census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Snyder's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kiowa
Frequently asked questions
Is Snyder, OK tap water safe to drink?
Snyder's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #278 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Snyder's water?
Lead was measured at 5.2 ppb (90th percentile). 245 violations are on record.
How is Snyder'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 Snyder?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Snyder's water come from?
Snyder's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,509 residents.
What health violations has Snyder's water system had?
Snyder has 129 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Snyder's water compare to other cities?
Snyder ranks #278 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 22% of state cities) and #13769 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Snyder's small water system affect quality?
Snyder's system serves approximately 1,509 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 245 violations on record.