Is Stuart, 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 ↓
59.2/100
waterverge.com Stuart, OK — Water Quality Report
Stuart's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,145 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.2 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 203 violations on record, including 96 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stuart's water
Stuart ranks #158 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Stuart 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, Stuart may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stuart, OK water safe to drink?
Stuart's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,145 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Stuart
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stuart's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Stuart'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
Stuart's water system has 203 total violations on record, including 96 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hughes County has experienced 4 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 Canadian River At Calvin.
Where does Stuart's water come from?
Stuart's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,145 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Canadian River At Calvin (river).
What Stuart residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stuart'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.
Stuart'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 Stuart
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stuart, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HICKORY HILLS GAS PLANT STUART, OK74570 | — | — | 2.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtHughes 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
Hughes County has experienced 4 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 Stuart'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. | 4.2 | 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. | 6.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Stuart compares by contaminant
Explore where Stuart ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stuart's water comes from
Stuart'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 1,145 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Stuart
Stuart is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Stuart
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUGHES CO. RWD #2 | OK1010414 | 1,145 | GW |
How Stuart compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Stuart's score of 59.2/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Stuart, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stuart's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hughes
Frequently asked questions
Is Stuart, OK tap water safe to drink?
Stuart's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #158 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Stuart's water?
Lead was measured at 4.2 ppb (90th percentile). 203 violations are on record.
How is Stuart'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 Stuart?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stuart's water come from?
Stuart's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,145 residents.
What health violations has Stuart's water system had?
Stuart has 96 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. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Stuart's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Stuart 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 203 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 Stuart's water compare to other cities?
Stuart ranks #158 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 56% of state cities) and #12202 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Stuart's small water system affect quality?
Stuart's system serves approximately 1,145 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 203 violations on record.