Nitrite in Oklahoma Drinking Water
Oklahoma has 5,688 public water systems. 2987 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
5,688
With Violations
2,987
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
3.7M
Nitrite in Oklahoma: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
5,688
Systems with Violations
2,987
Lead Violations
29
Copper Violations
171
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Oklahoma
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| TIMBER CREEK MHP EAST & WEST | 40 | 9081 |
| EASTSIDE MHP | 32 | 7572 |
| RAINBOW VALLEY | 70 | 5533 |
| PRAGUE | 2K | 4153 |
| BLUE RIDGE MHP | 100 | 3272 |
| LAKEWAY MHP | 65 | 3256 |
| CREEK CO RWD #10 | 15 | 3221 |
| PINE COUNTRY LIVING MHP | 100 | 2879 |
Health Effects of Nitrite Exposure
Blue baby syndrome
Can block oxygen in blood of infants under 6 months
Methemoglobinemia
Converts hemoglobin, reducing blood oxygen-carrying capacity
Infants below 6 months can develop methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome'). Combined nitrate+nitrite limit is 10 mg/L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there nitrite in Oklahoma water?
Oklahoma has 5,688 public water systems. 2987 have recorded nitrite violations based on EPA SDWIS data. If you are on a private well, your water is not covered by these regulations and should be tested independently.
How can I check my Oklahoma water for nitrite?
Search for your water system using the WaterCheck system lookup, or contact your utility and request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR is published annually and lists all detected contaminants, their levels, and the EPA MCLs. For private wells, contact a state-certified lab for independent testing.
What is the EPA limit for nitrite?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrite is 1 mg/L as N. Systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify customers and take corrective action.
Nitrite at a Glance
Source
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits
How to Filter Nitrite
- +Reverse osmosis removes nitrite
- +Ion exchange systems can remove nitrite
- +Do not give water with elevated nitrite to infants