Water Quality in Ames, OK: 8 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 85/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Ames's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Ames, OK surfaces 8 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ames
Water quality varies across Ames's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73718 | A | 85 | 8 | 5 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Ames.
Water Quality Overview
Ames, Oklahoma receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 85 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Ames have accumulated 8 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 199 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Ames's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Ames water systems is 0.0013 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 70% of homes built before 1986, Ames 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 Ames
Ames is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 199 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ames. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Ames
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 Ames Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Ames's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | 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 Ames:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 4 in 2024 to 1 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ames. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-07 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-07 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-05-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-09 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-09 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-03-27 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-04.
Ames vs. Nearby Oklahoma Cities
How Ames's water quality compares to similar cities in Oklahoma:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | A | 8 | 1 | 199 |
| Orlando | A | 0 | 1 | 201 |
| Rocky | B | 10 | 1 | 202 |
| Meno | C | 14 | 1 | 195 |
Common Questions About Ames Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Ames, Oklahoma:
Is Ames water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Ames's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Ames tap water? Ames's water receives a grade of A (85/100). There are 5 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Ames? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Ames vs. Oklahoma Average
Understanding how Ames 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 Ames.
ZIP Codes in Ames
Ames spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 73718. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.