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Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideHistorical Record: No Recorded SDWIS Violations

ZIP Code 73521 Water Quality & Testing Report

Altus, OK · Jackson County County · Updated for 2026

Sahajul HaqueCompiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS records
Public Health & Medical Notice: Drinking water quality data on this page reflects historical compliance records submitted under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This information does not constitute medical advice or a real-time safety guarantee. If you are pregnant, nursing, preparing infant formula, or immunocompromised, consult a healthcare provider. Boiling water kills biological pathogens, but does NOT remove chemical contaminants like lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 73521 (Altus, OK)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 73521 (Altus, OK) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Altus, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (70/100) with 19 health violations, 5.2 ppb lead, and hard (129 mg/L / 7.5 GPG) water.

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

19

Total Violations

55

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

4

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 15 unresolved violations. Contact Altus for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 73521

Tap water in ZIP code 73521 (Altus, OK) is distributed by Altus (EPA ID: OK1011501), serving approximately 18,717 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

Altus

EPA ID: OK1011501

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

18,717 residents

County

Jackson County County, Oklahoma

🧪

Lead Levels in ZIP 73521

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 5.2 ppb — Moderate

The 90th percentile lead level in 73521 is 5.2 ppb. This is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, but above ideal health goals. Consider a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead exposure risk in 73521 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 65% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
5.20 ppb (0.0052 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

65%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
🪨

Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Hard7.5 GPG · 129 mg/L

Water in ZIP 73521 is Hard (129 mg/L / 7.5 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.

Recommendation: An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

7.5 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

129 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
High / Severe

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Altus · PWSID: OK1011501

Verify on EPA.gov
📋

Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Altus has recorded 19 health-based violations out of 55 total violations over the past 5 years. 15 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)
55
Health-Based Violations
19
Unresolved Violations
15
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

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 4 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Fecal Coliform, Stage 2 DBP Rule, E. coli.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)Fecal ColiformStage 2 DBP RuleE. coli

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 10 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.
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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.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$0
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

2.78%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 73521

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 73521 served by Altus 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.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in OK for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 73521 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Altus
  • ✓ 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.

Filter Selection Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 73521 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 73521?+
Yes — tap water in 73521 (Altus, OK) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 73521 (Altus, OK)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 73521, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in OK. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 73521?+
Tap water in 73521 is classified as Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 129 mg/L (7.5 GPG). An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Should I test private well water in 73521?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 73521 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 73521 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 73521 is 5.2 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 73521?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 73521. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 73521?+
Tap water in ZIP code 73521 is provided by Altus (EPA ID: OK1011501), serving approximately 18,717 residents.
What water filter should I use in 73521?+
Based on water metrics for 73521, we recommend Reverse Osmosis (PFAS & Lead). Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 58 (Reverse Osmosis), NSF/ANSI 53 (Lead & VOCs), NSF/ANSI P473 (PFAS/PFOS).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 73521 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 Altus. 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 →