The City of Oklahoma City received a recommendation from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), late this evening, to issue a precautionary, voluntary boil advisory for customers who experienced water service interruption at any time this week.
The advisory will expire in 72 hours unless we notify customers otherwise.
This advisory is part of a statewide recommendation from the DEQ due to wide-spread water system outages related to the extreme temperatures across the state. In an abundance of caution, the Utilities Department is supporting the state’s recommendation.
Oklahoma City has its own testing laboratory where it monitors and tests water quality on a continual basis. We also follow very strict protocols to ensure water quality when water mains are repaired and placed back into service after a main break. Our water quality and systems engineers have been in daily contact with DEQ and are confident our water is safe. Low-water pressure does not compromise water quality. Customers who had no water service during this week’s interruption who want to follow the voluntary advisory should boil and cool water before drinking it, cooking with it, brushing their teeth with it or ingesting it in any way (tea, coffee, ice, etc.).
DEQ recommends boiling the water for one minute, then allowing it to cool to at least room temperature. People with skin wounds or other conditions should consider avoiding bathing in the water, or they may consult with a physician. If your pet has special health concerns, consult with a veterinarian, or give it boiled water and cooled.
"We have confidence our water is just as safe to drink as it has always been.” Utilities Department Director, Chris Browning said. "But out of an abundance of caution, after consulting with DEQ, we think this voluntary advisory is appropriate."
A few customers with restored water service have reported discolored water coming from the tap. Those customers should let the tap water run until it clears.