Is Stillwell, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.1/100
waterverge.com Stillwell, OK — Water Quality Report
Stillwell's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,025 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 24 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stillwell's water
Stillwell ranks #67 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, Stillwell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stillwell, OK water safe to drink?
Stillwell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,025 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Stillwell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stillwell's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stillwell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Stillwell's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Stillwell's water come from?
Stillwell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,025 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Stillwell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stillwell'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.
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 droughtAdair 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Stillwell'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.380 mg/L (2015)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Stillwell compares by contaminant
Explore where Stillwell ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stillwell's water comes from
Stillwell'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 1,025 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Stillwell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAIR CO RWD #4 | OK3000107 | 1,025 | SWP |
How Stillwell compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Stillwell's score of 82.1/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stillwell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adair
Frequently asked questions
Is Stillwell, OK tap water safe to drink?
Stillwell's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #67 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Stillwell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Stillwell'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 Stillwell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stillwell's water come from?
Stillwell's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,025 residents.
How does Stillwell's water compare to other cities?
Stillwell ranks #67 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 81% of state cities) and #7174 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Stillwell's small water system affect quality?
Stillwell's system serves approximately 1,025 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 24 violations on record.