water quality

Data from the American Dental Association estimates a nearly $507 million price tag over five years in dental care costs for Oklahomans if fluoride were removed from community water systems.

Quick-growing blooms of bacteria and algae have long been a hazard in lakes and rivers, because of the toxins they produce. Fueled in part by agricultural runoff, these blooms are also threatening public water systems, making water temporarily unusable, and forcing some cities and towns to take costly preventive measures.

Settlement payments from chemical companies are helping cities pay for expensive PFAS removal technology. But local leaders say the dollars often fall short of covering the full costs to clean up drinking water.

If you're thirsty for knowledge, it's time to drink up: public water supplies are federally required to make water quality reports available by the end of June.

The Trump administration wants to rewrite the definition for what counts as protected ‘waters of the United States.' The rule has caused frustration among farmers, but environmental attorneys worry a change could lead to more pollution.

Gov. Greg Abbott has made water a priority for this legislative session. Lawmakers will debate whether to invest more into new water supplies or repairing old, leaking pipes around Texas.

Nonprofit, public policy organizations including Texas 2036 and the Texas Water Association have made water infrastructure one of their priorities this legislative session.

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board is developing a new Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan to ensure the state has enough good water over the next 50 years. The OWRB is hosting rounds of public input meetings across the state starting in August.

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 boil water notice affected millions of Texans and led to a two-day shutdown of area schools and disrupted local business. Water experts say the incident should direct cities to look at their own water containment equipment and consider possible upgrades.