Water Quality in El Reno, OK: 14 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 69/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
El Reno'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
SDWIS records for El Reno, OK show 14 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in El Reno
Water quality varies across El Reno's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73036 | C | 69 | 14 | 10 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving El Reno.
Water Quality Overview
El Reno, Oklahoma receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 69 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving El Reno have accumulated 14 EPA violations, including 10 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 19,135 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. El Reno'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 El Reno water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 67% of homes built before 1986, El Reno 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 El Reno
El Reno is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 19,135 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 El Reno. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in El Reno
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 El Reno Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across El Reno's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 5 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 3 | 1 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 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 El Reno:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 5 | 5 |
Violations have increased from 3 in 2021 to 5 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving El Reno. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-15 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-30.
El Reno vs. Nearby Oklahoma Cities
How El Reno's water quality compares to similar cities in Oklahoma:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Reno | C | 14 | 4 | 19,135 |
| Guthrie | B | 22 | 3 | 18,931 |
| Bixby | B | 5 | 1 | 18,750 |
| Leonard | B | 0 | 1 | 18,750 |
Common Questions About El Reno Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in El Reno, Oklahoma:
Is El Reno water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. El Reno's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink El Reno tap water? El Reno's water receives a grade of C (69/100). There are 10 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for El Reno? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
El Reno vs. Oklahoma Average
Understanding how El Reno 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 El Reno.
ZIP Codes in El Reno
El Reno spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 73036. 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.