Rufe, OK Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Rufe meets baseline drinking water standards, some OK-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Rufe Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Rufe Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 38% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 16.3 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Rufe
Rufe, OK draws its water from one primary utility across 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Rufe, Oklahoma (population ~177), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 792 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Rufe — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rufe: 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
Rufe water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Rufe
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74755 | C | WRIGHT CITY PWA | 792 |
All ZIP Codes in Rufe
- 74755 [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 Rufe
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 Rufe's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Over the decades, Rufe accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1981 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited — leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.
Most homes in Rufe were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Protecting Children from Lead in Rufe
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 38% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Rufe.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Rufe
- 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 38% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Rufe, OK