Is Stilwell, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
64.5/100
waterverge.com Stilwell, OK — Water Quality Report
Stilwell's drinking water received a grade of C (64.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,951 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 64 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stilwell's water
Stilwell ranks #140 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stilwell, OK water safe to drink?
Stilwell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,951 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Stilwell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stilwell's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.5/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Stilwell'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
Stilwell's water system has 64 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Adair County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Baron Fork At Dutch Mills.
Where does Stilwell's water come from?
Stilwell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 6,951 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Baron Fork At Dutch Mills (river).
What Stilwell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stilwell'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.
Stilwell'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 Stilwell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stilwell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SFC GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN INC. - STILWELL OK STILWELL, OK74960 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Flood & disaster history
Adair County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Stilwell'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. | 0.9 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2009)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Stilwell compares by contaminant
Explore where Stilwell ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stilwell's water comes from
Stilwell'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 6,951 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Stilwell
Stilwell 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 Stilwell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STILWELL | OK1020205 | 3,276 | SW |
| ADAIR CO RWD #1 (CHERRY TREE) | OK3000104 | 2,000 | SWP |
| ADAIR CO RWD #2 | OK3000105 | 1,675 | SWP |
How Stilwell compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Stilwell's score of 64.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Stilwell, OK
Wikipedia →Stilwell / ᏍᏗᎳᏪᎵ is a city located in the sovereign territory of the Cherokee Nation. It is the county seat of Adair County, and is home to the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. The population was 3,700 as of the 2020 U.S. census, a decline of 6.7 percent from the 3,949 population recorded in 2010. The Oklahoma governor and legislature proclaimed Stilwell as the "Strawberry Capital of the World” in 1949, but the role of strawberries in the local economy has diminished since then. Today, residents of Stilwell are among the poorest and most impoverished in the United States. Stilwell also serves as a gateway to Lake Tenkiller and Adair Park, formerly called Adair State Park.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stilwell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adair
Frequently asked questions
Is Stilwell, OK tap water safe to drink?
Stilwell's water quality earned a grade of C (64.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #140 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Stilwell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 64 violations are on record.
How is Stilwell'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 Stilwell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stilwell's water come from?
Stilwell's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 6,951 residents.
What health violations has Stilwell's water system had?
Stilwell has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
How does Stilwell's water compare to other cities?
Stilwell ranks #140 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 61% of state cities) and #11647 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.