Serine
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a boil order for residents of Bartlesville and surrounding areas following the detection of E. Coli and total coliform bacteria in the local water supply.
These contaminants, commonly found in natural environments, signal a possible risk of drinking water contamination.
Impacted Areas
According to DEQ spokesperson Erin Hatfield, the boil order applies to Bartlesville water customers, including:
- Bartlesville
- Dewey
- Ramona
- Ochelata
- Srike-Axe HWY 60
- Osage County RWD No. 1
- Strike Axe (Chimney Rock)
- Washington County RWD Nos. 1, 2, and 5
- Bar-Dew Water Association Inc.
- Nowata County RW & S District No. 1
Water System Flushing Underway
Aaron Kirpatrick, a Bartlesville City Councilor, confirmed that crews are actively flushing the water system to remove contaminants. Meanwhile, residents are advised to boil water before consumption as a safety measure.
Next Steps and Updates
The DEQ is awaiting lab results from water samples collected the previous night. Hatfield explained that these results, expected later today, will determine whether the boil order can be lifted or needs to remain in place.
“Depending on what those sample results show, the boil order may be lifted or it may continue,” Hatfield noted.
Stay Informed
The Oklahoma DEQ will share all public updates via their official social media platforms. Residents are urged to monitor these channels closely for the latest information regarding water safety.
The boil order for Bartlesville and nearby districts highlights the importance of immediate public health actions when water contamination is suspected.
Residents should follow DEQ guidance until official testing confirms the water is safe to drink.