Tahlequah, OK: 16 Health Violations — 64/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 11 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Tahlequah meets baseline drinking water standards, some OK-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Tahlequah Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Tahlequah Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 52 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0022 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,450 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.4 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Tahlequah
With 3 utilities splitting service in Tahlequah, OK, water accountability is distributed across 11 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, covering 11 community water systems serving approximately 30,990 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 16 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Tahlequah: C (64/100)
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
Tahlequah water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0022 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 21 | 2 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 12 | 2 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 12 | 2 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 9 | 2 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 9 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74464 | C | 26 | 8 | Tahlequah Pwa |
| 74465 | C | 26 | 8 | Tahlequah Pwa |
All ZIP Codes in Tahlequah
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 Tahlequah
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 Tahlequah Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Tahlequah Homeowners
How does remediation fit within the broader financial picture for Tahlequah homeowners? The equity share is moderate — large enough that treating it as a real planning consideration makes sense, and manageable enough that most homeowners have a clear path to addressing documented water and safety issues when they approach the commitment with deliberate advance budgeting rather than as an unplanned expense.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Tahlequah. The estimated $1,250–$4,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 17% above the Oklahoma average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Tahlequah
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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah
How does Tahlequah's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 79 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Tahlequah has a moderate flood history with 79 FEMA claims averaging $10,758 per payout. 100% 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>$2,450</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 Tahlequah
- 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 Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Tahlequah'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 Tahlequah, OK