Boil Order Issued for Part of Moore Public Water Supply

All public water supply systems in Oklahoma are required to routinely sample for a number of things to ensure public safety, with the frequency and contaminants sampled determined by the size and type of the water system. For Moore, routine samples showed the presence of E. coli in the water system for the portion of the system identified in the boil order. 

No immediate cause was identified, but DEQ will be conducting an assessment of the water system to determine any required corrective actions. The Boil Order will remain in place until DEQ has verified the system is providing safe drinking water to its customers.

Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a water line break in the distribution system or a failure in the water treatment process.

DEQ's role is to provide regulatory oversight and technical assistance. Agency staff review sampling results, work with the water system to identify and address the underlying cause and ensure all state and federal drinking water requirements are met before the boil order is lifted.

While the boil water order remains in effect, residents in the affected area should use water that has been brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing food, or any other activity where water may be consumed. 

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Skylar McElhaney, skylar.mcelhaney@deq.ok.gov

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has required Moore PWS, located in Cleveland County, to inform users within a specific area to use water that has been brought to a full, rolling boil for at least one minute, bottled water, or water from another acceptable source for consumption, use in food preparation, dishwashing and brushing teeth. This order was issued due to E. coli in the drinking water.

This order only applies to those customers of Moore PWS in the area east of Interstate 35, south of SE 4^th St., north of Indian Hills Rd. and west of the Moore city limits. Please see the map below showing the affected service areas.

Users will be notified when the water is considered safe for human consumption. Federal law requires that consumers be notified when a public water supply exceeds certain maximum contaminant levels and might be harmful to the health of consumers.

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