TapSafetyReport
F2/100

Mcalester Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 26,816 residents · Oklahoma

What's In Mcalester's Tap Water?

69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.004 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

20

Violations (last 5yr)

4

Unresolved

15

Health-Related

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – January 31, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment technique violation

When: October 17, 2024 – July 15, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Reporting violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 17, 2024 – July 15, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment Technique Violation

When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment Technique Violation

When: April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment Technique Violation

When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to conduct Level 2 Assessment

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 30, 2022 – April 3, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment Technique Violation

When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued

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

US ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT
Population Served

1,872

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

OK1020605

MCALESTER PWA
Population Served

18,206

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

OK1020609

PITTSBURG CO. RWD #14
Population Served

1,680

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

OK1020625

PITTSBURG CO. RWD #16
Population Served

1,268

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

OK3006106

PITTSBURG CO. RWD #7 (ARPELAR)
Population Served

2,040

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

OK3006108

PITTSBURG CO. RWD #5
Population Served

1,750

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

OK3006115

Frequently Asked Questions About Mcalester Water

Is Mcalester tap water safe to drink?

Mcalester, Oklahoma tap water receives a grade of F (2/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 681 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Mcalester's water?

Of the 70 contaminants tested in Mcalester's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Mcalester have any water quality violations?

Yes, Mcalester has 681 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MCL, TT. 491 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Mcalester?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Mcalester is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Mcalester's tap water come from?

Mcalester's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by US ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT and 5 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 26,816 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Mcalester'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. Mcalester'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 Mcalester's water compare to other cities in Oklahoma?

Mcalester's water quality score of 2/100 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 Mcalester's water quality?

If you have concerns about Mcalester'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 (US ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT) 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.

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