City addresses chlorine concerns for water customers in north Norman

City of Norman Utilities staff received several inquiries regarding a strong chlorine odor and taste in residential water in the area north of E. Tecumseh Road and east of N. Porter Avenue during the week of September 1, 2025. While all water has been and remains safe to consume, additional details regarding the cause of this occurrence are provided by the City of Norman below.

As water demand in Norman has recently slowed due to rains, many public water wells were temporarily turned off over Labor Day weekend to prevent overflow. A well with a chlorinator attached remained turned on and primarily fed neighborhoods in North Norman that do not typically receive water from this source. Although chlorine levels were within range in these neighborhoods and all of Norman, per daily water quality tests carried out by staff, this resulted in smells and tastes that neighbors are not accustomed to. When residents contacted City officials with concerns, the well was turned off until confirmation could be made that there were no issues. It is common practice to turn public wells on and off, or vary Norman's three water sources as needed, in balancing water demand and distribution needs among other factors.

Much of north Norman, east of I-35, receives water from the City's well field. Until recently, state regulations did not require groundwater (water from water wells) to be disinfected. Due to a change in requirements, however, disinfection in the form of chlorine will soon be implemented for all groundwater provided by the Norman Utilities Authority by way of a Groundwater Treatment Facility. Voters approved to allot funding to this initiative with passage of a Water Rate Propositionin June 2023.

The safety and well-being of residents remains the topmost priority for the City of Norman. Questions regarding water quality or treatment can continue to be directed to 405-321-2182 or [email protected].

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