WaterVerge

Is Wagoner, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

16K residents served 5 water systems PWSID: OK1021649
Overall Score
44 / 100
Violations
30 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#325 of 358 in Oklahoma Top 92% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
44/100
waterverge.com
F 44/100

Wagoner, OK — Water Quality Report

Wagoner's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 16,242 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.

The system has 254 violations on record, including 141 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Wagoner's water

Wagoner ranks #325 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.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.10 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.

The system has seen 132 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
44 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
14/20
C
Lead at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18/20
A
No PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Wagoner, OK water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Wagoner's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 16,242 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

30
Active Violations
4.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
None
PFAS Detected
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Wagoner

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wagoner's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
5 drinking water violations recorded

3 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3411). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1754). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wagoner's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 4.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.73 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Wagoner's water system has 254 total violations on record, including 141 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 132 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MCLOtherMONMRTTRPT
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2025 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2025 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2025 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Wagoner County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Verdigris River Near Wagoner.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3411
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1754
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3219

Where does Wagoner's water come from?

Wagoner's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 16,242 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Verdigris River Near Wagoner (river).

What Wagoner residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wagoner's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Wagoner'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
4.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 27% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.73 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
0.10 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 1% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
170.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 11% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
1,4-Dioxane
Organic
Detected
0.09 µg/L
EPA Health Advisory: 0.35 µg/L · 25% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
0
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

254
Total violations
141
Health-based
30
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

254 Total
30 Active
141 Health-based
224 Resolved
20 SNC
Violations by category
Interim and Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
53
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
52
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
45
Total Coliform Rule
38
Surface Water Treatment Rule
23
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2024 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2023 Active
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 254 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Wagoner

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wagoner, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
ELASTOMER SPECIALTIES INC
Chemicals · ELASTOMER SPECIALTIES INC
WAGONER, OK74467
2.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Wagoner County is currently in D2 (severe 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
8.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
May 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Wagoner County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1971. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2019
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3411
May 2008
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1754
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3219
Oct 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #778
May 1984
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #709
Jun 1976
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #504

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Wagoner's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 4.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.73 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 2.2 ppb from 1992 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (2.2 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.193 mg/L from 2013 (1.537 mg/L) to 2025 (1.730 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
16,242
Water Systems
5
Source breakdown
Surface Water
3
Purchased Surface Water
2
Water Source

Where Wagoner's water comes from

Surface Water

Wagoner'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 16,242 people through 5 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Wagoner

Wagoner is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Verdigris River Near Wagoner
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Wagoner

System Name PWSID Population Source
WAGONER OK1021649 7,982 SW
WAGONER CO. RWD #9 OK1021527 4,363 SW
WAGONER CO. RWD #2 OK1021643 2,000 SW
WAGONER CO. RWD #6 OK3007330 1,500 SWP
WAGONER CO. RWD #1 OK1021650 397 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Wagoner compares

Full Oklahoma rankings →

Wagoner's score of 44/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Wagoner (this city)
44
Tulsa
48.5
Norman
38.4
Lawton
44.4
Oklahoma avg
45
City Profile

About Wagoner, OK

Wikipedia →

Wagoner is a city in Wagoner County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, Wagoner had a population of 7,621. It is the county seat of Wagoner County. Wagoner became the first city incorporated in Indian Territory on January 4, 1896.

Economic Profile
$55,169
Median Income
$131,906
Median Home Value
$854/mo
Median Rent
8.4%
Unemployment
Community
37.8
Median Age
301
People / sq mi
18.9%
College Educated
56.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Wagoner, OK tap water safe to drink?

Wagoner's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #325 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.

What contaminants are in Wagoner's water?

Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 254 violations are on record.

How is Wagoner'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 Wagoner?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Wagoner's water come from?

Wagoner's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 16,242 residents.

What health violations has Wagoner's water system had?

Wagoner has 141 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. 30 violations remain unresolved.

How does Wagoner's water compare to other cities?

Wagoner ranks #325 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 9% of state cities) and #14438 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.