Tecumseh, OK: Lead Above EPA Limits — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Tecumseh's water safety record falls below average in OK — compliance violations span multiple service areas, and several systems have recorded exceedances that trigger federal notification requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
How Tecumseh Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Tecumseh Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 67 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0205 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 63% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $6,680 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.95 — above typical levels.
Tecumseh's Water Providers
Residential addresses in Tecumseh, OK are served by 3 primary water providers out of 6 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Tecumseh, Oklahoma (population ~11,033), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 45,489 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 16 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Tecumseh: D (40/100)
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
Tecumseh water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0205 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 36 | 1 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 28 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 24 | 1 |
| Contaminant 4100 | Other | 10 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74873 | D | 67 | 16 | Tecumseh Utility Authority |
All ZIP Codes in Tecumseh
- 74873 [D] — 67 violations ⚠
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.
Tecumseh Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Tecumseh's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Tecumseh Infrastructure Age
With 63% 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
For residents trying to assess tap water risk in Tecumseh, the median build year of 1970 is the starting context. It signals that a majority of homes were constructed before 1986 — the year federal rules prohibited lead solder in new plumbing — and that a significant share likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still a common choice for residential service connections. Neither risk tier is rare in this housing inventory.
Over half of homes in Tecumseh 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Tecumseh
The equity share of documented remediation in Tecumseh is high — a cost-to-value ratio that places this market in the elevated tier and means most homeowners are weighing a financial decision where scoping by urgency, mapping costs against household budget, and knowing what assistance options exist are practical steps that can materially improve outcomes.
At 5.1% of home value, remediation costs in Tecumseh represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,320–$9,840. Home values here are 10% below the Oklahoma average.
Tecumseh: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Throughout the multi-year monitoring window under Lead and Copper Rule sampling, citywide samples for Tecumseh have moved past the regulatory action mark, and 63% of local stock comes from the pre-rule era. Both the housing inventory and the system data support active household-level reads as a practical step.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Tecumseh: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Multiple flood events have been recorded for Tecumseh through the NFIP — 14 claims in total, with 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated zones — pointing to a flood exposure profile that merits inclusion in a water quality assessment without reaching high-severity planning territory.
Tecumseh has a moderate flood history with 14 FEMA claims averaging $20,977 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>$6,680</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 Tecumseh
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Revised Total Coliform Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Tecumseh's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 63% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Tecumseh, OK