F0/100
Bartlesville Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 34,748 residents · Oklahoma
What's In Bartlesville's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
4
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 1 — URGENTUnresolved
Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
When: July 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underwayVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Missed required monitoring deadline
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: November 1, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: November 1, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
BARTLESVILLE
Population Served
34,748
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
OK1021401
Frequently Asked Questions About Bartlesville Water
Is Bartlesville tap water safe to drink?
Bartlesville, Oklahoma tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 31 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Bartlesville's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Bartlesville's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Bartlesville have any water quality violations?
Yes, Bartlesville has 31 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, MR, MON. 22 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Bartlesville?
Bartlesville water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Bartlesville's tap water come from?
Bartlesville's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BARTLESVILLE. The system serves approximately 34,748 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Bartlesville's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Bartlesville's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Bartlesville's water compare to other cities in Oklahoma?
Bartlesville's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Oklahoma state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Bartlesville's water quality?
If you have concerns about Bartlesville's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BARTLESVILLE) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.