Oklahoma City Water Company

Oklahoma City's municipal water system stretches across 250 miles and encompasses seven surface water reservoirs located in five Oklahoma counties. These include Canton Pond in northwest Oklahoma, McGee Creek, Pond Atoka and Sardis Lake in southeastern Oklahoma, as well as Pond Overholser, Lake Hefner and Lake Stanley Draper within Oklahoma City limits.

These reservoirs feed our three water treatment facilities, which process the water distributed to the communities we serve. They also offer recreational opportunities for visitors, including boating, fishing and water skiing.

Rainwater collects naturally in these reservoirs from spring and summer precipitation. As water flows across the ground, it can collect naturally-occurring minerals from rocks and soil, agricultural chemicals like pesticides and herbicides, and bacteria from animal or human activities.

To ensure water safety, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water supplies. Raw water undergoes processing at Oklahoma City's three treatment plants: Hefner Water Treatment Plant, Draper Water Treatment Plant and Overholser Treatment Plant.

Each facility uses slightly different treatment methods based on the source water composition and available technology. During treatment, certified water quality specialists guide the water through comprehensive purification processes to eliminate harmful bacteria and contaminants. They then disinfect by adding a small amount of chlorine, and incorporate fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.

Before distribution to homes and businesses, the water must pass rigorous testing to ensure it meets all Federal and State quality standards.

1. Where does Oklahoma City water come from?
   Oklahoma City supplies surface water to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
2. Does Oklahoma City test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Oklahoma City must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Oklahoma City?
   Call 405-682-7038 or visit 420 West Main, Suite 110, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Oklahoma City water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Oklahoma City water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.