Newcastle Conducting Additional Testing After Routine Monitoring Identifies Elevated Lead in Some Homes

City working with ODEQ to evaluate results and continue monitoring drinking water system

The Newcastle Public Works Authority (NPWA) is conducting additional testing after routine regulatory monitoring identified elevated lead levels in a limited number of homes.

“Newcastle’s water treatment system consistently produces water that meets all state and federal drinking water standards,” said Jim Miller, Newcastle Public Works Superintendent. “The results identified during routine monitoring are not typical for our system, and we are working closely with ODEQ to conduct additional testing and ensure our corrosion control treatment continues operating as intended.”

NPWA collected 40 residential water samples as part of routine monitoring required by federal drinking water regulations. Results showed that more than 10 percent of the samples exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s lead action level, which triggered a required public notice to customers under federal drinking water regulations. A copy of that notice is attached to this release.

Officials noted that Newcastle’s drinking water system consistently meets state and federal water quality standards. Newcastle is conducting additional sampling in the water source, distribution system, and selected homes to better understand the cause of the elevated results.

Under the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule, water systems collect samples from taps in homes that are more likely to contain plumbing materials that can contribute to lead in drinking water.

Lead can enter drinking water through corrosion of plumbing materials, including service lines, household plumbing, pipe solder, and plumbing fixtures.

NPWA is advising residents to take simple steps that can help reduce potential exposure, including running cold water briefly before use if water has been sitting in pipes for several hours, using cold water for cooking or preparing baby formula, and cleaning faucet aerators regularly.

Additional monitoring and evaluation will continue in coordination with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, and any necessary actions will be implemented based on the results of that investigation.

“Protecting the quality of Newcastle’s drinking water is our top priority,” Miller said. “We will continue working with ODEQ and conducting additional monitoring to ensure our system continues operating as intended.”

Residents who would like more information or who are interested in having their home tested for lead may contact Newcastle Public Works Authority at 405-387-4434.

A copy of the required public notice distributed to customers on March 14, 2026, is attached.