Is Tupelo, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.2/100
waterverge.com Tupelo, OK — Water Quality Report
Tupelo's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 527 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 120 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tupelo's water
Tupelo ranks #130 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tupelo purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Tupelo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tupelo, OK water safe to drink?
Tupelo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 527 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tupelo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tupelo's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.2/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Tupelo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tupelo's water system has 120 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Coal County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1981. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Tupelo's water come from?
Tupelo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 527 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Tupelo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tupelo'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.
Tupelo'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 Tupelo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tupelo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COALGATE TUPELO STONEWALL GAS PLANT COALGATE, OK74538 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCoal 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
Coal County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1981. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tupelo compares by contaminant
Explore where Tupelo ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tupelo's water comes from
Tupelo purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Tupelo's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 527 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Tupelo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TUPELO PWA | OK3001506 | 377 | GWP |
| COAL CO RW&SWMG #6 | OK3001502 | 150 | SWP |
How Tupelo compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Tupelo's score of 67.2/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Tupelo, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tupelo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Coal
Frequently asked questions
Is Tupelo, OK tap water safe to drink?
Tupelo's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #130 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Tupelo's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 120 violations are on record.
How is Tupelo'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 Tupelo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tupelo's water come from?
Tupelo's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 527 residents.
What health violations has Tupelo's water system had?
Tupelo has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tupelo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tupelo 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 120 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 Tupelo's water compare to other cities?
Tupelo ranks #130 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 64% of state cities) and #11270 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.