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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 73521 Water Quality Report

Altus, OK · Jackson County County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

19

Total Violations

55

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

4

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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) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 70/100). Served by Altus, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

Altus

EPA ID: OK1011501

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

18,717 residents

County

Jackson County County, Oklahoma

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Lead Levels in ZIP 73521

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

Lead Level: 5.2 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 73521 is 5.2 ppb, below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but above what many health experts consider ideal. The CDC and EPA both affirm there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter, and request lead testing of their home's tap water.

Lead exposure risk in 73521 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 65% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

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.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Altus has recorded 19 health-based violations in the past 5 years — significantly above the national average. This volume of violations indicates serious and recurring compliance issues. Independent water testing and in-home filtration are strongly recommended. 15 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

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

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Altus has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 4 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 73521: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Fecal Coliform, Stage 2 DBP Rule, E. coli. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

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

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Altus — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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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.

🛡 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

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 73521 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 73521?+
Yes — tap water in 73521 (Altus, OK) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 73521 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 73521 is 5.2 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 73521?+
Tap water in ZIP code 73521 is provided by Altus (EPA ID: OK1011501). This system serves approximately 18,717 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 73521?+
ZIP code 73521 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 73521 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 15 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Altus for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 73521?+
Your water utility — Altus — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Altus Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 73521?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 73521, with detected contaminants including Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) and Fecal Coliform, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 73521 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 5.2 ppb in 73521, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

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 →