Published on September 01, 2026
OKC Utilities has completed its investigation into recent occurrences of yellow- or green-tinted water in portions of the distribution system supplied by the Draper Water Treatment Plant.
The investigation determined that the discoloration was associated with naturally occurring elements in the source water and changes in water quality conditions resulting from prolonged high temperatures and increased system demand. These conditions required adjustments to treatment operations to improve the removal and control of these elements and maintain consistent water quality throughout the distribution system.
Water Quality staff implemented operational adjustments to address the discoloration and continue to monitor treatment processes and distribution-system conditions to ensure the effectiveness of these measures.
“We appreciate our customers’ patience throughout this process and the trust they place in us to maintain a safe, reliable water system,” said Utilities Director Chris Browning. “We remain committed to protecting that trust through the ongoing work of our entire Utilities team.”
The discoloration was an aesthetic issue and did not affect the safety of the drinking water. OKC Utilities maintained communication with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality throughout the investigation and response.
Water at both Oklahoma City water treatment plants is continuously monitored and tested at multiple points throughout the treatment process and distribution system to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state drinking-water requirements.
OKC Utilities will continue monitoring the system and making operational adjustments as necessary to maintain water quality and respond to changing source-water and distribution-system conditions.
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