Vanadium Contamination

Vanadium in Oklahoma Drinking Water

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

Cities Tested

Over HA

15%

% Over HA

17.67 µg/L

State Avg

▲ 10% vs national

vs National

351

Health Violations

Analysis

Vanadium in Oklahoma: what the data shows

Oklahoma has 52 cities with vanadium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Vanadium was detected above the 21 µg/L EPA short-term health advisory in 8 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 17.67 µg/L. Vanadium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in the western United States where it leaches from volcanic rock and oil shale formations. Industrial sources include steel manufacturing, oil refining, and fossil fuel combustion. There is no federal MCL for vanadium — the EPA established a short-term health advisory of 21 µg/L for a 10 kg child consuming 1 L/day for 10 days. Long-term exposure to elevated vanadium has been associated with kidney effects in animal studies and possible developmental impacts. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing vanadium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 21 µg/L EPA short-term HA (no MCL)

Oklahoma

15%

8 of 52 cities

→ ▲ 10% above national rate (worse)

National avg

179 of 3322 cities

City Map

Vanadium data across Oklahoma

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 vanadium testing data. Cities where vanadium exceeds the 21 µg/L EPA short-term health advisory are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by vanadium level in Oklahoma

Highest Vanadium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Oklahoma cities ranked by vanadium level

#	City	Level	Over HA?	Violations	Grade
1	Edmond	193.00 µg/L	Over HA	86	F
2	Moore	147.00 µg/L	Over HA	53	F
3	Norman	137.99 µg/L	Over HA	52	F
4	Mustang	93.40 µg/L	Over HA	9	C+
5	Yukon	64.40 µg/L	Over HA	18	D
6	Guymon	29.00 µg/L	Over HA	10	A-
7	Guthrie	26.00 µg/L	Over HA	45	F
8	Oklahoma City	23.00 µg/L	Over HA	56	F
9	Ardmore	19.50 µg/L	No	188	F
10	Purcell	18.60 µg/L	No	1	A-
11	Midwest City	15.90 µg/L	No	11	B+
12	Collinsville	15.50 µg/L	No	24	C+
13	Woodward	15.00 µg/L	No	55	D
14	Enid	14.90 µg/L	No	33	F
15	Thomas	12.10 µg/L	No	0	A+
16	Altus	11.00 µg/L	No	162	D
17	Del City	9.67 µg/L	No	12	F
18	Stillwater	9.64 µg/L	No	72	F
19	Jenks	6.21 µg/L	No	31	B-
20	Lawton	5.79 µg/L	No	23	F
21	Blackwell	4.90 µg/L	No	65	D+
22	Elk City	4.42 µg/L	No	5	D
23	Duncan	4.39 µg/L	No	150	D+
24	El Reno	4.33 µg/L	No	49	D
25	Chickasha	4.28 µg/L	No	79	F
26	Bethany	3.40 µg/L	No	14	B+
27	Mannsville	2.60 µg/L	No	4	A-
28	Durant	2.46 µg/L	No	104	D
29	Fort Sill	2.18 µg/L	No	4	A
30	Shawnee	1.70 µg/L	No	124	D
31	Claremore	1.65 µg/L	No	153	F
32	Poteau	1.62 µg/L	No	56	D
33	Grove	1.25 µg/L	No	20	D
34	Bixby	1.22 µg/L	No	1	B
35	Tulsa	1.20 µg/L	No	6	D
36	Henryetta	1.20 µg/L	No	116	F
37	Sand Springs	1.04 µg/L	No	20	B
38	Tahlequah	1.01 µg/L	No	56	F
39	Owasso	0.93 µg/L	No	8	C+
40	Ada	0.74 µg/L	No	6	B-
41	Afton	0.61 µg/L	No	89	F
42	Wister	0.60 µg/L	No	84	D
43	Broken Arrow	0.50 µg/L	No	113	F
44	Madill	0.46 µg/L	No	178	F
45	Ponca City	0.43 µg/L	No	23	F
46	Okmulgee	0.41 µg/L	No	262	D
47	Oilton	0.33 µg/L	No	4	D+
48	Miami	0.33 µg/L	No	11	D
49	Muskogee	0.32 µg/L	No	246	D
50	Sapulpa	0.32 µg/L	No	85	D
51	Sallisaw	0.30 µg/L	No	29	D+
52	Bartlesville	0.21 µg/L	No	217	F

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about vanadium in Oklahoma

Is vanadium in Oklahoma tap water harmful?

Vanadium has no federal MCL. The EPA short-term health advisory is 21 µg/L. 8 cities in Oklahoma exceed this level. Long-term exposure has been linked to kidney effects in animal studies. Vanadium is most common in groundwater in the western US.

How can I remove vanadium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective at removing vanadium, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Ion exchange systems also work. Standard activated carbon filters are not effective against vanadium. If your water comes from a private well in the western US, consider testing for vanadium.

More contaminants