Follow-Up Testing Finds No Elevated Lead in Newcastle Source Water or Distribution System

Independent follow-up testing conducted by an independent laboratory, as required by Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, found no elevated lead levels in the City’s source water or distribution system.

This testing followed earlier sampling at 40 residences, in which 6 samples showed elevated lead levels and triggered state-required response measures. Based on this first round of additional testing, those residential results do not appear to reflect elevated lead levels in Newcastle’s municipal water supply itself.

While additional monitoring and testing will continue as required, these results suggest the elevated residential samples do not appear to indicate a citywide water system issue.

Ongoing Response and Monitoring

The City is continuing all response steps required by Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, including:

• Public education and community notification
• Additional monitoring and sampling
• Further testing of water sources and the distribution system
• Notification to specified facilities, as required
• Continued coordination with state regulators

These actions are part of the standard regulatory response when residential sampling exceeds action thresholds.

Steps Residents Can Take to Reduce Potential Exposure

While follow-up testing found no elevated lead in the City’s source water or distribution system, residents can take simple precautionary steps to reduce potential exposure at the household tap:

• Flush household taps for a short period before using water for drinking or cooking if water has been sitting in the pipes for several hours or overnight.
• Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing infant formula, as hot water can increase metal leaching from plumbing.
• Clean faucet aerators regularly, as sediment can collect there over time.
• Consider using a certified lead-reduction filter for drinking water if you would like added protection.
• Consider household water testing if you have concerns about plumbing materials in your home.
• Households with infants, young children, or pregnant residents may wish to take additional precautions and review testing or filtration options.

These are prudent protective steps residents may choose while additional monitoring continues.

Continued Updates

The City will continue working with Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality on all required follow-up actions and will provide updated information as additional results become available.

Test results and supporting information can be viewed in the attached materials.