Mcalester, OK: 54 Health Violations — 66/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 14 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike higher-rated cities in OK, Mcalester carries a fair number of documented violations — the pattern of compliance gaps keeps the city in the middle tier of EPA safety rankings.
How Mcalester Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Mcalester Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 78 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0036 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,450 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.75 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Mcalester
Water supply in Mcalester, OK follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 14 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Mcalester, Oklahoma (population ~28,687), covering 14 community water systems serving approximately 48,712 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 54 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mcalester: C (66/100)
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
Mcalester water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0036 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 |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 15 | 2 |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 12 | 2 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 12 | 2 |
| Benzene | Organic | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74501 | C | 39 | 27 | Mcalester Pwa |
| 74502 | C | 39 | 27 | Mcalester Pwa |
All ZIP Codes in Mcalester
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.
Health Outcomes in Mcalester
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
Top Contaminants in Mcalester Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Mcalester Homeowners
Remediation costs in Mcalester are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Mcalester are relatively low compared to home values. The $850–$2,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 8% above the Oklahoma average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Mcalester
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 Mcalester 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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Mcalester
Although Mcalester's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 17 claims and FEMA maps place 50% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Mcalester has a moderate flood history with 17 FEMA claims averaging $10,556 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 Mcalester
- 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 Mcalester'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 Mcalester, OK