ZIP Code 73481 Water Quality & Testing Report
Ratliff City, OK · Carter County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 73481 (Ratliff City, OK)?
Yes, tap water in ZIP code 73481 (Ratliff City, OK) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Western Carter Company Water Corporation, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (70/100) with 13 health violations, 2.5 ppb lead, and hard (134 mg/L / 7.8 GPG) water.
Water Safety Grade
Good — Minor issues on record
Health Violations
13
Total Violations
16
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
2
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 6 unresolved violations. Contact Western Carter Company Water Corporation for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 73481
Tap water in ZIP code 73481 (Ratliff City, OK) is distributed by Western Carter Company Water Corporation (EPA ID: OK2001003), serving approximately 2,000 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 70/100.
Water System
Western Carter Company Water Corporation
EPA ID: OK2001003
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
2,000 residents
County
Carter County County, Oklahoma
Lead Levels in ZIP 73481
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 2.5 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 73481 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 47% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 73481 is Hard (134 mg/L / 7.8 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: Western Carter Company Water Corporation · PWSID: OK2001003
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
Western Carter Company Water Corporation has recorded 13 health-based violations out of 16 total violations over the past 5 years. 6 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
EPA records identify 2 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Stage 2 DBP Rule.
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Surface Water
This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.
Lower potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 73481
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 73481 served by Western Carter Company Water Corporation can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 73481 Recommendations
Your water quality is good
- ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
- ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Western Carter Company Water Corporation
- ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
- ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste
Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:
NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter
Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 73481 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 73481?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 73481 (Ratliff City, OK)?+
How hard is the tap water in 73481?+
Should I test private well water in 73481?+
What is the lead level in 73481 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 73481?+
Who provides tap water to 73481?+
What water filter should I use in 73481?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 73481 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Western Carter Company Water Corporation. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →