Water Quality in Ardmore, OK: 405 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Ardmore'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
Ardmore, OK — 405 compliance events documented in the federal drinking water record.
Water Quality Map: Ardmore, OK
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ardmore
Water quality varies across Ardmore's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73401 | C | 65 | 81 | 24 | View report → |
| 73402 | C | 66 | 81 | 24 | View report → |
| 73403 | C | 66 | 81 | 24 | View report → |
| 73451 | C | 66 | 81 | 24 | View report → |
| 73454 | C | 66 | 81 | 24 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Ardmore.
Water Quality Overview
Ardmore, Oklahoma receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Ardmore have accumulated 405 EPA violations, including 120 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 5 ZIP codes serving approximately 36,278 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Ardmore'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 Ardmore water systems is 0.0006 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 62% of homes built before 1986, Ardmore 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 Ardmore
Ardmore is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 36,278 people across 5 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 50 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ardmore. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Ardmore
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 Ardmore Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Ardmore's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 85 | 5 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 80 | 5 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 15 | 5 | Yes |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 15 | 5 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 15 | 5 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 10 | 5 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 10 | 5 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 5 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 5 | No |
| Arsenic | Inorganic | 0.01 mg/L | 5 | 5 | 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 Ardmore:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10 | 10 |
| 2023 | 20 | 20 |
| 2024 | 30 | 30 |
| 2025 | 15 | 15 |
Violations have increased from 10 in 2022 to 15 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ardmore. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-20 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-11 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-19.
Ardmore vs. Nearby Oklahoma Cities
How Ardmore's water quality compares to similar cities in Oklahoma:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ardmore | C | 405 | 3 | 36,278 |
| Bartlesville | C | 172 | 5 | 35,948 |
| Ponca City | A | 18 | 5 | 32,420 |
| Ada | A | 6 | 4 | 32,154 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ardmore
Water quality varies across Ardmore's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73401 | 65 | C | 81 | 24 |
| 73402 | 66 | C | 81 | 24 |
| 73403 | 66 | C | 81 | 24 |
| 73451 | 66 | C | 81 | 24 |
| 73454 | 66 | C | 81 | 24 |
Common Questions About Ardmore Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Ardmore, Oklahoma:
Is Ardmore water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Ardmore's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Ardmore tap water? Ardmore's water receives a grade of C (66/100). There are 120 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Ardmore? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Ardmore vs. Oklahoma Average
Understanding how Ardmore 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 Ardmore.
ZIP Codes in Ardmore
Ardmore spans 5 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 73401. 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.