Oklahoma
Oklahoma sits in the South and draws its water primarily from reservoirs, Ogallala aquifer, and rivers. With roughly 4.05 million residents, the state has a developing water reuse program, reusing an estimated 7% of its treated wastewater.
Oklahomawater quality & safety
Top violation drivers in Oklahoma
| Contaminant / rule | Systems |
|---|---|
| LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS | 471 |
| TTHM | 278 |
| Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 175 |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | 74 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | 69 |
| CARBON, TOTAL | 61 |
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · 2026 Q1 · health-based violations since 2016
The Oklahoma City metro's reservoir-and-pipeline system and panhandle aquifer depletion define its water profile.
On the U.S. Drought Monitor scale, Oklahoma currently tracks around exceptional conditions. Oklahoma has 884 community water systems serving about 4 million people; EPA records show 653 of them (73.9%) with a health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation since 2016. The pages below break down the water issues that matter most here and the communities working on solutions.
Drought history — severe+ extent
% of Oklahoma in severe drought or worse (D2+) each late summer.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC/UNL, USDA, NOAA) · latest 2026-06-09
Water use (USGS 2015)
- Per-capita (public supply)
- 172 gpcd
- Total withdrawals
- 2.0 Bgal/d
- From groundwater
- 53.1%
- Irrigation share
- 47.4%
- Wastewater reused (est.)
- ~7%
Primary water sources
- ≈ reservoirs
- ≈ Ogallala aquifer
- ≈ rivers
Common questions
Is tap water safe in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has 884 community water systems serving about 4 million people. EPA records show 653 of them (73.9%) with at least one health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation since 2016, and 3 system(s) over the federal lead action level. Most large systems meet standards; check your specific city and your utility's annual report.
What contaminants are most common in Oklahoma's water?
The most frequent health-based violations involve LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
How much water does Oklahoma use per person?
Public water systems in Oklahoma withdraw about 172 gallons per person per day (USGS 2015), drawing 53.1% of fresh water from groundwater.
How bad is the drought in Oklahoma?
As of 2026-06-09, 63.5% of Oklahoma is in drought (D1+) and 43.9% is in severe drought or worse, per the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Cities in Oklahoma
9 trackedOklahoma City
Oklahoma City, OK water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Tulsa
Tulsa, OK water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Norman
Norman, OK water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Broken Arrow
Broken Arrow, OK water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Lawton
Lawton, OK water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Edmond
Edmond, OK water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Moore
Moore, OK water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Midwest City
Midwest City, OK water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Enid
Enid, OK water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Key issues in Oklahoma
Drought
Much of the American West is in a multi-decade dry period that researchers describe as the most severe in over a millennium, reshaping how communities plan for water.
ExploreGroundwater Depletion
Aquifers from the Central Valley to the Ogallala are being pumped faster than they recharge, causing land subsidence and threatening long-term supply.
ExploreAgricultural Demand
Agriculture accounts for the majority of consumptive water use in the West, making farm efficiency and water markets central to any supply solution.
Explore