Water Treatment 

Norman's water treatment plant receives surface water from Lake Thunderbird, which is treated with a coagulant to remove suspended particles, and softened to remove hardness. Hardness leaving the plant is always less than 100 mg/L, making it categorically "soft water." Harder water is described by water having a hardness greater than 100 mg/L, which is typical of most groundwater. 

Following hardness and suspended particle removal, water is treated with ozone which breaks down organic particles that contribute to common taste and odors experienced during seasonal temperature changes. The water is then filtered to remove any remaining particles that might not have been removed by coagulation and ozonation. Chloramines and Ultraviolet light are used at the end of the treatment process to disinfect the water before leaving plant. 

The plant has 7.5 million gallons of storage at the plant and another 5.5 million gallons of storage in water towers throughout the City.  

Common conversion for in-home softening systems

Most in-home softeners require you to know the hardness of you water in grains per gallon. This can be obtained from a data point in mg/L by dividing by 17.1.

For instance, a hardness level of 116 mg/L is equal to 6.8 grains per gallon.

Norman’s Annual CCR

The City of Norman has the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) available for customers. The report contains water quality and quantity information for the City of Norman water system. The CCR is posted on our utility web site and a press release is issued letting the public know it is available. 

View the latest Consumer Confidence Report

Citizens interested in a paper copy of the report can request a copy by mail at 405-321-2182 or email WTP_admin@normanok.gov. We receive requests for print copies each year and are happy to mail one to your home.  For most citizens, the notice in the utility bill directing them where to view an electronic version provides the information on water quality.  

Water Conservation Tips

You can do your part to reduce the need for additional system expansion by conserving water and using water wisely. Following are some Tips on Conservation:

• Take brief showers and/or open faucets half or three-quarters open to minimize the total water use per shower. Installing a simple restrictor in the shower head or installing a low water use shower head can reduce water use by 25 to 35 percent. However, only opening the faucets part way will accomplish the same thing with no cost or installation required.
• Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff.
• Direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs and trees, or collect and use for your garden.
• Wash only full loads of clothes, or match the water setting of the washer to the size of the load.
• When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
• If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
• Don't water your lawn on windy days. After all, sidewalks and driveways don't need water.
• Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator for a cool drink. Do not run the faucet to chill the water.
• If you have a swimming pool, cover it when not in use to control evaporation.