Below are recommended actions provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) that you may take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead leaching into your drinking water.

The water treated and delivered from OKC's two treatment plants does not contain lead. Additionally, no large pipes (water mains) within the City’s water distribution system contain lead.

Lead is typically only detected in water that has traveled through lead service lines, galvanized lines downstream from lead lines, or copper lines with lead solder, lead joints or lead fittings. In Oklahoma City, lead lines are most common in homes or businesses built before 1945. Over time, lines can corrode, allowing small amounts of lead to leach into the water. OKC water quality staff help protect customers by reducing the risk of lead exposure using a corrosion inhibitor.

To check what material is used for the public and private service lines at your property, use our Lead-Safe Community Database.

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The list below is not intended to be a complete list or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water.

Use a filter.

Using a water filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, visit the EPA’s website.

Clean your aerator.

Regularly remove and clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.

Use cold water.

Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does NOT remove lead from water.

Identify and replace fixtures.

Identify and replace your plumbing fixtures that contain lead and/or lead solder.

Install a treatment device. 

Install a point of use or point of entry treatment device certified to remove lead, such as a reverse osmosis filter.

Replace your private service line, when applicable.

If you have a verified lead or GRR private service line, replace it with a non-lead service line.  Please contact the Utilities Department by emailing leadsafe@okc.gov if you plan to replace the private service line so that we can update our inventory accordingly and provide you with important resources regarding essential steps to take after a service line is replaced. When replacing plumbing and water fixtures, look for products that are NSF certified and bear the NSF mark. It certifies the product meets new lead-free requirements.