Is McAlester, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
McAlester, OK tap water currently meets EPA health guidelines across all monitored ZIP codes in this dataset. Contaminants including lithium have been detected at or below guideline thresholds.
Where Does McAlester Get Its Water?
Water in McAlester, OK is provided by 5 public water systems: MCALESTER PWA, ADAMSON RWD #8, BRYAN CO. RWS & SWMD #2, PITTSBURG CO. RWD #11 (KIOWA) and PITTSBURG CO. RWD #16.
How Is McAlester Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine and chloramines. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), direct filtration and groundwater disinfection.
What's in McAlester Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in McAlester public water systems. All detected levels fall at or below EPA health guidelines in this dataset.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 6:2 FTS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
| 8:2 FTS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| HFPO-DA | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for McAlester
Current EPA monitoring data for McAlester shows contaminant levels within guideline thresholds across all ZIP codes in this dataset. As with all public water systems, sensitive populations may choose to use a certified filter for additional peace of mind.
Best Filters for PFAS Water Profile
PFAS compounds are detected in this water supply. A reverse osmosis (RO) system or an activated-carbon filter specifically certified under NSF/ANSI P473 is required for reliable PFAS reduction. Standard pitcher and faucet filters without P473 certification do not remove PFAS.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about McAlester Tap Water
Is McAlester tap water safe to drink?
McAlester tap water currently meets EPA health guidelines across all monitored ZIP codes in this dataset. Sensitive populations may still choose to use a certified filter as a precaution.
What contaminants are in McAlester tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in McAlester water systems include: lithium, PFTrDA, 6:2 FTS. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does McAlester get its drinking water?
McAlester receives water from 5 public water systems, including MCALESTER PWA.
Do I need a water filter in McAlester?
Current data does not show guideline exceedances in McAlester. A certified filter can still reduce trace contaminants and improve taste for households that prefer filtered water.
How often is McAlester tap water tested?
Public water systems in McAlester are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-10-15.
Tap water reports by ZIP in McAlester
- 74501 - Northwest Pittsburg CCD, McAlester tap water report Some concern
- 74502 - Mcalester tap water report Some concern
Water utilities serving McAlester, OK
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- MCALESTER PWALooks OK
Also covers / overlaps with
- Arpelar, OK · CDP
- Bug Tussle, OK · CDP
- Hartshorne-Haileyville CCD, OK · Township
- Haywood, OK · CDP
- Krebs, OK
- McAlester CCD, OK · Township
- North Central Pittsburg CCD, OK · Township
- Northwest Pittsburg CCD, OK · Township
- Quinton CCD, OK · Township