Water Quality in Tahlequah, OK: 52 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Tahlequah'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
Tahlequah, OK has 52 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Tahlequah
Water quality varies across Tahlequah's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74464 | C | 59 | 26 | 8 | View report → |
| 74465 | C | 69 | 26 | 8 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Tahlequah.
Water Quality Overview
Tahlequah, Oklahoma receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Tahlequah have accumulated 52 EPA violations, including 16 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 20,694 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Tahlequah'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 Tahlequah water systems is 0.0022 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 52% of homes built before 1986, Tahlequah 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.
Radon Risk
Tahlequah is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Tahlequah
Tahlequah is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 20,694 people across 2 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Tahlequah. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Tahlequah
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 Tahlequah Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Tahlequah's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 14 | 2 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 2 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 2 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 2 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 6 | 2 | Yes |
| Uranium | Radionuclides | 0.03 mg/L | 2 | 2 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | 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 Tahlequah:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 14 | 14 |
| 2023 | 6 | 6 |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 |
Violations have decreased from 14 in 2022 to 4 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Tahlequah. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-07-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-07-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-07-12 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-19.
Tahlequah vs. Nearby Oklahoma Cities
How Tahlequah's water quality compares to similar cities in Oklahoma:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahlequah | C | 52 | 5 | 20,694 |
| Bethany | B | 5 | 1 | 20,307 |
| El Reno | C | 14 | 4 | 19,135 |
| Guthrie | B | 22 | 3 | 18,931 |
Common Questions About Tahlequah Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Tahlequah, Oklahoma:
Is Tahlequah water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Tahlequah's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Tahlequah tap water? Tahlequah's water receives a grade of C (64/100). There are 16 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Tahlequah? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Tahlequah vs. Oklahoma Average
Understanding how Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah.
ZIP Codes in Tahlequah
Tahlequah spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 74464. 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.