Is Talihina, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Talihina, OK — Water Quality Report
Talihina's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,450 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 355 violations on record, including 295 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Talihina's water
Talihina ranks #317 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.
As a small community water system, Talihina may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 53 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Talihina, OK water safe to drink?
Talihina's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,450 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Talihina
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Talihina's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Talihina'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
Talihina's water system has 355 total violations on record, including 295 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 53 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Talihina's water come from?
Talihina's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,450 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Talihina residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Talihina'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 droughtLe Flore 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 Talihina'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. | 2.6 | 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. | 2.30 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Talihina compares by contaminant
Explore where Talihina ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Talihina's water comes from
Talihina'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 2,450 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Talihina
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LATIMER CO. RWD #2 | OK3003903 | 1,500 | SWP |
| TALIHINA PWA | OK1010304 | 950 | SW |
How Talihina compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Talihina's score of 45/100 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 Talihina, OK
Wikipedia →Talihina is a town in LeFlore County, Oklahoma, United States. Located on the Choctaw Reservation, its name originates from two Choctaw words, tully and hena, meaning "iron road," a reference to the railroad around which the town was built. The population was 925 at the time of the 2020 Census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Talihina's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Latimer
Frequently asked questions
Is Talihina, OK tap water safe to drink?
Talihina's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #317 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Talihina's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 355 violations are on record.
How is Talihina'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 Talihina?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Talihina's water come from?
Talihina's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,450 residents.
What health violations has Talihina's water system had?
Talihina has 295 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. 29 violations remain unresolved.
How does Talihina's water compare to other cities?
Talihina ranks #317 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 11% of state cities) and #14276 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.