Oklahoma City

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.

.. ...