Altus, OK: 38 Health Violations — 68/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Altus's water quality grade in OK reflects a middle-ground assessment — service areas range from fully compliant to violation-flagged in current EPA records.
How Altus Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Altus Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 110 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0052 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,450 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.14 — above typical levels.
Altus's Water Providers
Across Altus, OK, residential water comes from 3 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 6 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Altus, Oklahoma, covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 20,352 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 38 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Altus: C (68/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Altus water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0052 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 2 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 69 | 2 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 42 | 2 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 15 | 2 |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 9 | 2 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 9 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
All ZIP Codes in Altus
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Altus Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Altus's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Altus
Across Altus, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Altus are relatively low compared to home values. The $850–$2,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 4% above the Oklahoma average.
Altus: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Altus appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Altus: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
The NFIP claim record for Altus — 5 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 50% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Altus has a moderate flood history with 5 FEMA claims averaging $1,033 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,450</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Altus
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Altus's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Altus, OK