Lithium Contamination

Lithium in Oklahoma Drinking Water

Ranked by max lithium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 5 data (2023–2025) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Detected

100%

% Detected

29.5 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

351

Health Violations

Analysis

Lithium in Oklahoma: what the data shows

Oklahoma has 58 cities with lithium data from the EPA's UCMR 5 program (2023–2025). Lithium was detected in 58 of those cities. There is currently no federal MCL or health advisory for lithium — the state average max detected level is 29.5 µg/L. Nationally, lithium is detected in roughly 28% of sampled water systems. Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in arid western states, and is concentrated in some surface waters near industrial discharge or geothermal sources. UCMR 5 added lithium monitoring in 2023, providing the first systematic national snapshot of public-water lithium levels. At therapeutic doses (administered as a medication), lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder. Chronic low-dose exposure from drinking water has been associated in some studies with effects on thyroid function and possibly mood. The most protective state guidance value is around 60 µg/L. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange are effective removal methods.

Comparison

Cities exceeding No federal MCL or HA

Oklahoma

100%

58 of 58 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

2808 of 2808 cities

City Map

Lithium data across Oklahoma

Each dot is a city with UCMR 5 lithium testing data. Detected cities are shown — there is no federal limit, though some states use 60 µg/L as a screening level. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by lithium level in Oklahoma

Highest Lithium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Oklahoma cities ranked by lithium level

#	City	Level	Detected?	Violations	Grade
1	Guymon	154.0 µg/L	Detected	10	A-
2	El Reno	132.0 µg/L	Detected	49	D
3	Miami	89.2 µg/L	Detected	11	D
4	Oklahoma City	67.8 µg/L	Detected	56	F
5	Hobart	63.8 µg/L	Detected	9	A
6	Marlow	53.0 µg/L	Detected	11	B
7	Bethany	52.0 µg/L	Detected	14	B+
8	Piedmont	49.7 µg/L	Detected	32	C-
9	Ardmore	46.4 µg/L	Detected	188	F
10	Newcastle	40.0 µg/L	Detected	5	A-
11	Hastings	38.6 µg/L	Detected	63	D+
12	Bristow	37.2 µg/L	Detected	5	D
13	Enid	36.5 µg/L	Detected	33	F
14	Clinton	34.0 µg/L	Detected	31	D+
15	Fairland	32.0 µg/L	Detected	11	D
16	Tecumseh	30.0 µg/L	Detected	142	F
17	Del City	28.5 µg/L	Detected	12	F
18	Wyandotte	28.0 µg/L	Detected	5	D
19	Weatherford	26.9 µg/L	Detected	71	D
20	Seminole	25.0 µg/L	Detected	4	A
21	Tuttle	25.0 µg/L	Detected	46	D
22	Moore	24.8 µg/L	Detected	53	F
23	Noble	24.4 µg/L	Detected	160	D
24	Amber	24.3 µg/L	Detected	30	D
25	Vinita	22.0 µg/L	Detected	114	D
26	Stillwater	21.6 µg/L	Detected	72	F
27	Blackwell	21.0 µg/L	Detected	65	D+
28	Edmond	20.7 µg/L	Detected	86	F
29	Mustang	20.3 µg/L	Detected	9	C+
30	Carnegie	20.0 µg/L	Detected	9	B
31	Ponca City	19.4 µg/L	Detected	23	F
32	Woodward	19.4 µg/L	Detected	55	D
33	Hydro	18.6 µg/L	Detected	11	C-
34	Lone Grove	18.1 µg/L	Detected	4	B+
35	Choctaw	18.1 µg/L	Detected	3	F
36	Newkirk	18.0 µg/L	Detected	39	F
37	Elk City	17.9 µg/L	Detected	5	D
38	Norman	17.7 µg/L	Detected	52	F
39	Midwest City	17.4 µg/L	Detected	11	B+
40	Guthrie	17.1 µg/L	Detected	45	F
41	Earlsboro	17.0 µg/L	Detected	4	C+
42	Watonga	16.8 µg/L	Detected	27	C+
43	Kingfisher	16.4 µg/L	Detected	38	D
44	Nichols Hills	16.0 µg/L	Detected	21	D
45	Purcell	15.5 µg/L	Detected	1	A-
46	Alva	14.9 µg/L	Detected	6	B-
47	Duncan	14.2 µg/L	Detected	150	D+
48	Harrah	14.2 µg/L	Detected	61	D
49	Adair	14.0 µg/L	Detected	35	B+
50	Spencer	13.0 µg/L	Detected	5	C
51	Eufaula	12.0 µg/L	Detected	374	F
52	Sayre	12.0 µg/L	Detected	2	A
53	Chickasha	11.6 µg/L	Detected	79	F
54	Altus	11.5 µg/L	Detected	162	D
55	Yukon	11.0 µg/L	Detected	18	D
56	Claremore	10.4 µg/L	Detected	153	F
57	Durant	10.0 µg/L	Detected	104	D
58	Byron	9.0 µg/L	Detected	33	B

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about lithium in Oklahoma

Is lithium in Oklahoma tap water harmful?

Lithium has no federal MCL or health advisory. Some state agencies use 60 µg/L as a screening level. 58 cities in Oklahoma had detectable lithium in UCMR 5 testing. Therapeutic lithium doses (used to treat bipolar disorder) are far higher than typical drinking-water levels, but chronic low-level exposure has been studied for potential thyroid and mood effects.

Where does lithium in tap water come from?

Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, especially in arid western states with lithium-bearing geology (parts of Nevada, California, North Carolina, Texas). It can also enter water from industrial sources such as battery manufacturing, ceramics, and lithium-mining wastewater. Geothermal hot springs are another natural source.

How can I remove lithium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing lithium, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Ion exchange systems and distillation also work well. Standard activated carbon filters are NOT effective against lithium. If you rely on a private well in a lithium-rich geological area, consider testing.

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