Water Quality in Altus, OK: 110 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Altus's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Altus, OK log 110 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Altus
Water quality varies across Altus's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73522 | C | 65 | 55 | 19 | View report → |
| 73521 | B | 70 | 55 | 19 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Altus.
Water Quality Overview
Altus, Oklahoma receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Altus have accumulated 110 EPA violations, including 38 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 23,699 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Altus's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Altus water systems is 0.0052 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 71% of homes built before 1986, Altus has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Altus
Altus is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 23,699 people across 2 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Altus. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Altus
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Altus Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Altus's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 46 | 2 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 10 | 2 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 2 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 2 | No |
| Benzene | Organic | 0.005 mg/L | 4 | 2 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 2 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 2 | Yes |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 2 | 2 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Altus:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 20 | 20 |
| 2025 | 6 | 6 |
Violations have increased from 4 in 2022 to 6 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Altus. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-27 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-19.
Altus vs. Nearby Oklahoma Cities
How Altus's water quality compares to similar cities in Oklahoma:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altus | C | 110 | 4 | 23,699 |
| Durant | B | 10 | 2 | 23,870 |
| Madill | B | 29 | 5 | 23,447 |
| Owasso | A | 22 | 2 | 23,176 |
Common Questions About Altus Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Altus, Oklahoma:
Is Altus water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Altus's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Altus tap water? Altus's water receives a grade of C (68/100). There are 38 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Altus? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Altus vs. Oklahoma Average
Understanding how Altus compares to the broader Oklahoma average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Altus.
ZIP Codes in Altus
Altus spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 73521. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.