Is Yale, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 56 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Yale, OK — Water Quality Report
Yale's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,047 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 208 violations on record, including 116 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved.
What to know about Yale's water
Yale ranks #297 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, Yale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 45 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Yale, OK water safe to drink?
Yale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,047 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Yale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yale's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chloramine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chloramine.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-778). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Yale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Yale's water system has 208 total violations on record, including 116 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved. 45 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Payne County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Yale's water come from?
Yale's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,047 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Yale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Yale'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.
Yale'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Yale
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- HUDSON REFINERY10.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPayne County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Payne County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Yale compares by contaminant
Explore where Yale ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Yale's water comes from
Yale'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 2,047 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Yale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| YALE | OK3006039 | 1,227 | SWP |
| PAYNE CO RWD #4 | OK3006001 | 820 | SWP |
How Yale compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Yale's score of 46/100 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 Yale, OK
Wikipedia →Yale is a city in Payne County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,059 at the 2020 census, a decline of 13.6 percent from the figure of 1,227 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Yale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Payne
Frequently asked questions
Is Yale, OK tap water safe to drink?
Yale's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #297 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Yale's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 208 violations are on record.
How is Yale'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 Yale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Yale's water come from?
Yale's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,047 residents.
What health violations has Yale's water system had?
Yale has 116 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 56 violations remain unresolved.
How does Yale's water compare to other cities?
Yale ranks #297 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 17% of state cities) and #14020 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.