OKARCHE, Okla. , The Okarche Rural Water District issued a drinking‑water warning on Sunday after detecting elevated nitrate concentrations.
A sample collected on September 17 measured 14 mg/L of nitrate.
That concentration exceeds the regulatory limit of 10 mg/L.
Jay Warden, a spokesperson for the district, confirmed that the municipal water system in Okarche remains unaffected.
The warning applies exclusively to residents served by the rural district in Kingfisher and Canadian counties.
The district advises residents to refrain from giving water to infants younger than six months, because infants lack the metabolic capacity to process nitrate as adults and older children do.
Infants under six months who consume the water risk severe illness and, if untreated, may die.
Potential symptoms include respiratory distress and methemoglobinemia, commonly known as “blue baby syndrome.”
The district is providing guidance while it works to resolve the problem.
Recommended actions for residents include: using bottled water or another low‑nitrate source for infants’ water, juice, or formula; avoiding boiling water, as the process does not reduce nitrate levels; and consulting a physician before drinking tap water if pregnant or having specific health concerns.
Adults and children older than six months may continue to use tap water.
The district plans to construct a blending station that will combine the municipal supply with an additional clean water source.