As part of a legislative interim study on U.S. water systems, Cleveland County has begun an investigation into water contamination.
Oklahoma Rep. Jacob Rosecrants (D-Norman) was made aware of the issue a few years ago by one of his interns, OU senior Hannah Mckitrick.
“(Rosecrants) proposed that I do a research project over something that I was passionate about,” Mckitrick said.
Mckitrick, who studies political science and environmental sustainability, said she has been devoted to this issue since she and many other students had gotten extremely sick as soon as they had moved into college.
Through research, Mckitrick found Chromium-6, a chemical that is known for causing sickness, had been infiltrating Norman’s water system.
According to a report by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the standard for all chromium within drinking water is 0.1 milligrams per liter, or 100 parts per billion (ppb). Since the study is still ongoing, the total amount of chromium in Norman’s drinking water is still unknown.
The interim study is not the first time this issue was brought to the attention of lawmakers or Norman residents. In 2019, it was made clear that the city’s drinking water was extremely dense in chromium.
Rosecrants said government officials have been working towards a solution across the U.S. for around 12 years.
After the interim study ends, lawmakers are preparing to make a reform. Mckitrick said her goal with this study is to bring awareness to water issues.
“My role is advocacy and bringing up problems (to the House of Representatives). That’s where the real change would come from,” Mckitrick said.
This initiative has opened opportunities for Rosecrants to possibly push tax credits due to the discoveries of water pollutants. Although the study is said to conclude in 2027, Rosecrants and Mckitrick will continue research and development on this issue with Oklahoma legislation.
“Water is life, so it's super important. It's definitely something I think we are going to keep on with,” Rosecrants said.
This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Ismael Lele. Josh McDaniel and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
