Is Wilburton, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49.5/100
Wilburton, OK — Water Quality Report
Wilburton's drinking water received a grade of D (49.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,775 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 89 violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wilburton's water
Wilburton ranks #222 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it below average 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.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wilburton, OK water safe to drink?
Wilburton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,775 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wilburton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wilburton's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: 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 Wilburton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wilburton's water system has 89 total violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Latimer County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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 Wilburton's water come from?
Wilburton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,775 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Wilburton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wilburton'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.
Wilburton'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
Flood & disaster history
Latimer County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wilburton compares by contaminant
Explore where Wilburton ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wilburton's water comes from
Wilburton'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 5,775 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Wilburton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILBURTON | OK1020103 | 3,025 | SW |
| LATIMER CO. RWD #1 | OK3003904 | 2,750 | SWP |
How Wilburton compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Wilburton's score of 49.5/100 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 Wilburton, OK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wilburton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Latimer
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilburton, OK tap water safe to drink?
Wilburton's water quality earned a grade of D (49.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #222 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Wilburton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 89 violations are on record.
How is Wilburton'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 Wilburton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wilburton's water come from?
Wilburton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,775 residents.
What health violations has Wilburton's water system had?
Wilburton has 60 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wilburton's water compare to other cities?
Wilburton ranks #222 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 38% of state cities) and #13235 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.