Uranium-Tainted Water Worries Logan County Residents

A water warning for residents in rural Logan County: a significant level of uranium has been found in the water.

Levels of uranium which exceed Oklahoma Department of Environment Quality (DEQ) recommendations were found in Logan County's rural water supply. Uranium exposure is linked to cancer and kidney failure. Some homeowners are frustrated with the water board's response.

"A lot people think, ‘I only drink bottled water.' And you think, ‘oh I can boil it out,'" said homeowner Carolyn Harmon. "You can't boil out uranium and the hotter it gets the more intense it gets."

Members of the water board met with homeowners Thursday to explain tests and potential dangers, but the Harmons left that meeting thirsty for answers.

"There was a level of… a huge amount of rhetoric going on, and arrogance," said Greg Harmon. "And that's the sad part. They don't want to take the compassion for the citizens of the community that have to use their water services."

The manager of the water board says it is following guidelines.

"The EPA website says you have to drink 1.5 liters per day for 70 years to maybe get some of the carcinogenic or kidney toxicity from these particles," water board manager Buddy Thompson said.

To get your water quality tested, call the DEQ at (405) 702-1000.