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1. Is there lead in my drinking water?

Ponca City is required to do Lead/Copper analysis once every three years. In  September 2016, 30 tap water samples collected from the distribution system were analyzed.  The lead concentration in our drinking water was so low that it was below "Practical Quantitation Limit." 

Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Ponca City Municipal Water is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water, but it cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing connections. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. 

If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, lead testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize lead exposure is available on the Environmental Protection Agency's website.

2. Is there a water fill station in Ponca City?

Yes. There is an Automatic Water Fill Station at the intersection of Erie and 4th Street. This 24/7 station will only accept “prepaid cards” purchased from the Ponca City Utility Billing Office. The fees and other charges associated with this service are:

• • $18.00 for a blank prepaid card (nonrefundable)
• • Minimum deposit on card $100.00 (unused deposit to be refunded upon closeout of account);
• • $10.99 per 1,000 gallons of water or portion thereof;
•  • Minimum charge $10.00 per use.

3. What makes water hard?

If substantial amounts of calcium and/or magnesium, both nontoxic minerals, are present in drinking water, the water is said to be hard. Hard water does not dissolve soap readily, so making lather for washing and cleaning could be difficult with hard water. 

4. What’s my water footprint?

You may have some understanding about your carbon footprint, but how much do you know about your water footprint? The water footprint of an individual, community, or business is the total volume of fresh water used to produce the goods and services that an individual or community consumes, or that a business provides. For example, 11 gallons of water are needed to irrigate and wash the fruit in one half-gallon container of orange juice. To grow, produce, package, and ship the beans that made your morning cup of coffee, 37 gallons of water were used. To produce one quart of milk, 264 gallons of water are required.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American uses about 100 gallons of water daily. The annual American per capita water footprint is about 8,000 cubic feet; that is twice the global per capita average. 

With water use increasing six-fold in the past century, our demands for fresh water are rapidly outstripping what the planet can replenish. Check out your own water footprint on the H20 Conserve website. You can also visit the Water Footprint website to see how your water footprint compares to those of other nations.