Is Walters, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Walters, OK — Water Quality Report
Walters's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,551 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 136 violations on record, including 104 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Walters's water
Walters ranks #215 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Walters 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.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Walters, OK water safe to drink?
Walters's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,551 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Walters
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Walters's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Chlorite.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4274). 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 Walters's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Walters's water system has 136 total violations on record, including 104 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cotton County has experienced 5 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 East Cache Creek Near Walters, Deep Red Creek Near Randlett, Beaver Creek Nr Hulen.
Where does Walters's water come from?
Walters's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,551 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Cache Creek Near Walters (river), Deep Red Creek Near Randlett (river), Beaver Creek Nr Hulen (river).
What Walters residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Walters'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.
Walters'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCotton 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Cotton County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Walters compares by contaminant
Explore where Walters ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Walters's water comes from
Walters'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 5,551 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Walters
Walters is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Walters
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COTTON CO RWD #2 | OK2001702 | 3,000 | GW |
| WALTERS PUBLIC WORKS AUTHORITY | OK1011305 | 2,551 | SW |
How Walters compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Walters's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Walters, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Walters's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cotton
Frequently asked questions
Is Walters, OK tap water safe to drink?
Walters's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #215 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Walters's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 136 violations are on record.
How is Walters'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 Walters?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Walters's water come from?
Walters's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,551 residents.
What health violations has Walters's water system had?
Walters has 104 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Walters's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Walters 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 136 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 Walters's water compare to other cities?
Walters ranks #215 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 40% of state cities) and #13067 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.