Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Oklahoma Drinking Water

Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HRL

% Over HRL

497.3 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 1% vs national

vs National

351

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Oklahoma: what the data shows

Oklahoma has 56 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 3 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 497.3 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)

Oklahoma

3 of 56 cities

← ▼ 1% below national rate (better)

National avg

250 of 4371 cities

City Map

Strontium data across Oklahoma

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by strontium level in Oklahoma

Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Oklahoma cities ranked by strontium level

#	City	Level	Over HRL?	Violations	Grade
1	Guymon	1900.0 µg/L	Over HRL	10	A-
2	Moore	1820.0 µg/L	Over HRL	53	F
3	Chickasha	1760.0 µg/L	Over HRL	79	F
4	Edmond	1470.0 µg/L	No	86	F
5	Lawton	1070.0 µg/L	No	23	F
6	Duncan	903.0 µg/L	No	150	D+
7	Purcell	884.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
8	Oklahoma City	866.0 µg/L	No	56	F
9	Mustang	832.0 µg/L	No	9	C+
10	Norman	821.8 µg/L	No	52	F
11	Oilton	786.0 µg/L	No	4	D+
12	Ponca City	721.0 µg/L	No	23	F
13	Altus	688.0 µg/L	No	162	D
14	Elk City	683.0 µg/L	No	5	D
15	El Reno	680.0 µg/L	No	49	D
16	Ardmore	631.0 µg/L	No	188	F
17	Del City	568.0 µg/L	No	12	F
18	Midwest City	557.0 µg/L	No	11	B+
19	Blackwell	520.0 µg/L	No	65	D+
20	Stillwater	518.0 µg/L	No	72	F
21	Fort Sill	503.0 µg/L	No	4	A
22	Miami	502.0 µg/L	No	11	D
23	Mannsville	500.0 µg/L	No	4	A-
24	Claremore	486.0 µg/L	No	153	F
25	Woodward	460.0 µg/L	No	55	D
26	Bethany	423.8 µg/L	No	14	B+
27	Thomas	420.0 µg/L	No	0	A+
28	Bixby	417.0 µg/L	No	1	B
29	Enid	409.0 µg/L	No	33	F
30	Collinsville	374.0 µg/L	No	24	C+
31	Tulsa	362.0 µg/L	No	6	D
32	Madill	356.0 µg/L	No	178	F
33	Guthrie	356.0 µg/L	No	45	F
34	Bartlesville	341.0 µg/L	No	217	F
35	Broken Arrow	330.0 µg/L	No	113	F
36	Jenks	323.0 µg/L	No	31	B-
37	Sand Springs	268.0 µg/L	No	20	B
38	Sapulpa	257.0 µg/L	No	85	D
39	Owasso	251.0 µg/L	No	8	C+
40	Afton	214.0 µg/L	No	89	F
41	Grove	209.0 µg/L	No	20	D
42	Muskogee	180.0 µg/L	No	246	D
43	Wagoner	170.0 µg/L	No	141	F
44	Ada	150.0 µg/L	No	6	B-
45	Shawnee	150.0 µg/L	No	124	D
46	Yukon	138.0 µg/L	No	18	D
47	Durant	116.0 µg/L	No	104	D
48	Okmulgee	91.2 µg/L	No	262	D
49	Tahlequah	65.4 µg/L	No	56	F
50	Hartshorne	63.0 µg/L	No	103	D+
51	Henryetta	59.0 µg/L	No	116	F
52	Sallisaw	56.4 µg/L	No	29	D+
53	Mcalester	45.8 µg/L	No	670	F
54	Poteau	45.7 µg/L	No	56	D
55	Stringtown	44.0 µg/L	No	144	D+
56	Wister	32.5 µg/L	No	84	D

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about strontium in Oklahoma

Is strontium in Oklahoma tap water harmful?

Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. 3 cities in Oklahoma exceed this HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.

How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.

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