Picher, OK Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
The systems supplying Picher vary in performance across OK benchmarks — most meet minimum federal standards, but documented violations in select areas are on record.
How Picher Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Picher Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 81% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 16.17 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Picher
As of current federal records, Picher, OK is served primarily by one water utility among 1 tracked system. That single provider handles infrastructure investment, rate adjustments, and regulatory reporting under EPA oversight.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Picher, Oklahoma (population ~9), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,645 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Picher — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Picher: 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
Picher water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Picher
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74360 | C | COMMERCE | 2,645 |
All ZIP Codes in Picher
- 74360 [C]
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.
CDC Health Data for Picher
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
How Old Is Picher's Housing Stock?
With 81% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Picher's housing stock carries a median build year of 1975. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Picher were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Protecting Children from Lead in Picher
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 81% of the Picher inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Picher
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 81% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Picher, OK