drinking water

Recent studies have found elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water correlates with health issues like cancer and thyroid disease — even below what current federal standards deem as safe. But health research necessary to take federal action is slow-going, and some environmental health experts are concerned officials aren’t acting fast enough.

Native American communities often lack the resources to upgrade drinking and wastewater infrastructure. The Santee Sioux Nation in Nebraska is an extreme example — living without safe drinking water for four years.

About a quarter of the United States’s irrigated cropland sits on top of the Ogallala Aquifer in the Great Plains. But water levels are dropping, and states are taking different approaches to monitoring how much groundwater irrigators are pumping out.

Ever wondered whether your well water would win a blue ribbon? The OSU Extension isn’t handing out prizes, but it is providing free well water testing at county fairs across the state.

The water in these four unincorporated communities near Lubbock has been undrinkable for years, residents say. They hope to win $3 million in state grants to improve their systems.

A New York Times analysis of nearly 85,000 water wells across the United States shows underground aquifers are being depleted across much of the country, including in Oklahoma.

The family of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS is associated with a number of health risks. Ahead of proposed EPA regulations on some PFAS, experts and officials are working to make sure our drinking water is safe.

Cities throughout the Colorado River basin are looking to stretch out their existing water supplies in the face of climate change and steady demand. Some are turning to direct potable reuse, which treats wastewater until it's clean enough to drink.

It’s important to stay hydrated this time of year. As Oklahomans guzzle water to beat the heat, they can also learn more about what they’re drinking from annual water quality reports.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is accepting applications for household utility assistance. Many Native American tribal nations also have assistance money to distribute. These programs are to make sure people maintain access to water and electricity during the summer heat.