Oklahoma City Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Oklahoma City tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At 299 ppm (17.5 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
17.5 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Oklahoma City Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Oklahoma City tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
8 contaminants were tested in Oklahoma City's water. 7 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 69.07 ppb — 86% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
Disinfectants — Chloramines is at 3.59 ppm — 90% of the EPA limit (4 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
Disinfectants made from chlorine and ammonia, used as an alternative to chlorine. Last longer in the distribution system. Safe at regulated levels. Produces fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine, but can be harmful to fish and dialysis patients.
→ Catalytic carbon filters or reverse osmosis can remove chloramines. Standard carbon filters are less effective.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 2 PFAS compounds detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFPeA at 2.77 ppt.
Inorganic Chemicals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.66 ppm (17% of EPA limit).
Lead — Lead (4.1 ppb) is at 27% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 644K people in the Oklahoma City area.
Based on publicly available data from OCWUT / HydroFLOW Water Hardness Data (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Oklahoma City water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. Disinfection byproducts are elevated (above 75% of EPA limits). A carbon filter can help reduce these. With very hard water (299 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Oklahoma City Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
4.12 ppb
45% above average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
154 ppm
21% harder than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Detected
33% of cities have detectable PFAS
How Hard is Oklahoma City Water?
299 ppm
17.5 grains per gallon
Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Dries out skin & hair
Kitchen
Heavy mineral deposits
Laundry
Stiff, dingy clothes
Appliances
Significant scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 299 ppm, Oklahoma City has very hard water. A water softener can help prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. According to the Water Quality Research Foundation, hard water can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Based on 156 samples from OCWUT / HydroFLOW Water Hardness Data (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Oklahoma City tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Oklahoma City
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
4.1 ppb
Oklahoma City lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Chloramines
90% of EPA limit
Range: 3.01–4.08 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
8 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
0.66 ppm Range: 0.65-0.67 Added during treatment - Hefner avg 0.65, Draper avg 0.67 ppm | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 17% of limit | |
69.07 ppb Range: 21.32-69.07 Highest LRAA 2024 - Draper system. Hefner max LRAA 30.99 ppb. | 80 ppb | Caution 86% of limit | |
36.44 ppb Range: 8.14-36.44 Highest LRAA 2024 - Draper system. Hefner max LRAA 15.32 ppb. | 60 ppb | Caution 61% of limit | |
Chloramines | 3.59 ppm Range: 3.01-4.08 2024 avg - Hefner 3.59 (range 3.01-4.08), Draper 3.36 (range 2.34-4.11). Chloramine used (not free chlorine). | 4 ppm | Caution 90% of limit |
Lithium | 64.23 ppb Range: 60.8-67.8 UCMR5 Hefner WTP avg 64.23 ppb - very high, naturally occurring. Draper avg 16.63 ppb. No MCL established. | N/A | Safe |
0.51 ppt Range: 0-2.02 UCMR5 Hefner avg 0.505 ppt (max 2.02 ppt) - below MCL 4 ppt. Draper ND. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe 13% of limit | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
PFPeA | 2.77 ppt Range: 0-4.66 UCMR5 Hefner avg 2.77 ppt (max 4.66 ppt). Draper ND. No MCL established. | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Oklahoma City's Water?
Utility Name
OKLAHOMA CITY
EPA System ID (PWSID)
OK1020902
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
644K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Oklahoma City tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Oklahoma
Tulsa
Hard water
Broken Arrow Municipal Authority
Hard water
Norman
Very Hard water
Lawton
Hard water
Edmond Pwa
Very Hard water
Midwest City
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: OCWUT / HydroFLOW Water Hardness Data (2024) • View report