June 14, 2026

Norman, OK Water Quality Report 2026

By PureWaterGuys

EPA compliance testing (2012–2019) detected 25 regulated contaminants in this water system: Gross alpha radioactivity, Arsenic, Chromium (total) + 22 more.

Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.

Full contaminant breakdown

EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.

ContaminantAvg. detectedHighest sampleFederal limitAvg. vs. limit
Gross alpha radioactivityEPA health goal: zero 9.17 pCi/L 48.8 pCi/L 15 pCi/L 61%
ArsenicEPA health goal: zero 5 ppb 30.4 ppb 10 ppb 50%
Chromium (total) 45 ppb 98.1 ppb 100 ppb 45%
UraniumEPA health goal: zero 10.4 ppb 35.5 ppb 30 ppb 35%
Antimony 1.41 ppb 3.67 ppb 6 ppb 24%
Radium (combined)EPA health goal: zero 0.975 pCi/L 4.93 pCi/L 5 pCi/L 20%
Thallium 0.388 ppb 0.4 ppb 2 ppb 19%
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) 10.7 ppb 24.6 ppb 60 ppb 18%
PentachlorophenolEPA health goal: zero 0.16 ppb 0.16 ppb 1 ppb 16%
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 11.9 ppb 57.3 ppb 80 ppb 15%
Simazine 0.559 ppb 1.4 ppb 4 ppb 14%
DEHP (phthalate)EPA health goal: zero 0.8 ppb 1.1 ppb 6 ppb 13%
Barium 242 ppb 894 ppb 2000 ppb 12%
DichloromethaneEPA health goal: zero 0.61 ppb 0.61 ppb 5 ppb 12%
Fluoride 495 ppb 1090 ppb 4000 ppb 12%
LeadEPA health goal: zero 1.84 ppb 8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) 12%
Selenium 5.33 ppb 21.7 ppb 50 ppb 11%
Nitrite 84.9 ppb 415 ppb 1000 ppb 8%
Nitrate + nitrite 454 ppb 2280 ppb 10000 ppb 5%
Cyanide 7.92 ppb 18.3 ppb 200 ppb 4%
Nitrate 399 ppb 1050 ppb 10000 ppb 4%
Cadmium 0.141 ppb 0.144 ppb 5 ppb 3%
Copper 24 ppb 160 ppb 1300 ppb (action level) 2%
Toluene 6.25 ppb 11.6 ppb 1000 ppb 1%
2,4-D 0.2 ppb 0.3 ppb 70 ppb <1%

Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), Alachlor, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Beryllium, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlordane, Chlorobenzene, DBCP, DEHA (adipate), Dalapon, Dinoseb, Diquat, Endothall, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Glyphosate, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Oxamyl, PCBs, Picloram, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Toxaphene, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.

Reverse osmosis (drinking water)

The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.

Shop reverse osmosis →

Whole-house carbon filtration

The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.

Shop whole-house systems →

Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.

Water Utility: Norman Utilities Authority
Population Served: 104,868 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026

Norman, Oklahoma drinking water is supplied by Norman Utilities Authority. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.

EPA Health-Based Violation History

The following contaminants exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) at this utility since 2010:

Contaminant Violation Years Filter Solution
Arsenic 2013-2014 Under Sink Filters
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon And U 2012-2014 Water Filters
Lead And Copper Rule Revisions 2024 Whole House Filters

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), updated quarterly. Health-based violations only.

PFAS "Forever Chemical" Detections

PFAS compounds were detected in this water system during EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) testing program (2023-2025). EPA has set maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS individually.

PFAS Compound Level Detected Solution
PFBA 0.0055 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFBS 0.0030 ug/L PFAS Filters

Source: EPA UCMR5 occurrence data. Levels in micrograms per liter (ug/L = parts per billion). 1 ug/L = 1,000 ppt.

Should You Filter Your Norman Water?

Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.

Protect Your Norman Home Water

PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems certified to reduce arsenic and other heavy metals. We ship to all Oklahoma addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.

Shop Under-Sink Water Filters →Take the Water Quiz

Filters for Norman, OK Water Issues

Based on contaminants detected in this report, these systems are worth considering:

⚠️
PFAS / Forever Chemicals
NSF-certified filters proven to remove PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and 200+ contaminants.
Shop PFAS / Forever Chemicals Filters →
🔬
Arsenic
Whole-house systems with certified arsenic-reduction media.
Shop Arsenic Filters →
🚰
Lead
NSF/ANSI 53-certified under-sink filters that reduce lead at the tap.
Shop Lead Filters →
💧
Nitrates / Nitrites
Reverse osmosis systems that reduce nitrates to safe levels.
Shop Nitrates / Nitrites Filters →
🏠
Chlorine / Disinfection Byproducts
Whole-house carbon filters that eliminate chlorine taste, odor, and DBPs.
Shop Chlorine / Disinfection Byproducts Filters →
☢️
Radiological Contaminants
RO systems certified to reduce radium, radon, and uranium.
Shop Radiological Contaminants Filters →
🔩
Copper
Certified under-sink filters that reduce copper leached from plumbing.
Shop Copper Filters →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Norman tap water safe to drink?

Norman Utilities Authority is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.

Does Norman water have PFAS?

PFAS compounds were detected in this utility's water during EPA UCMR5 monitoring. A certified PFAS filter -- such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon block -- can significantly reduce these compounds at your tap.

What water filter works best for Norman?

A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.

Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.

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