January 30, 2026 | Issue No. 41

Tracking Pollution to Protect Tulsa’s Water Quality

A total maximum daily load (TMDL) is the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed to enter a waterbody so that the waterbody will meet and continue to meet water quality standards for that particular pollutant. According to the Clean Water Act, each state must develop TMDLs for all the waters identified on the Section 303(d) list of impaired waters.

The City of Tulsa has been issued four TMDLs by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. The pollutant of concern for the TMDLs issued to Tulsa is bacteria and includes the Arkansas River, Bird Creek, Coal Creek and Haikey Creek.  

Citizens play an important role in the City’s efforts to restore impaired waterbodies. Picking up pet waste, proper lawn care such as not over-fertilizing and keeping leaves/grass clippings out of the street and reporting illegal dumping into storm drains are just a few ways to help reduce bacteria in our creeks and streams.

Rain Barrel Sale: Small Barrel, Big Impact

The City of Tulsa’s Stormwater Quality team is partnering with Upcycle Products again to offer rain barrels to the public. Upcycle offers a variety of options, such as sizes, types, colors, and even composters. Rain barrels collect rainwater via a gutter attachment to the roof. This water can be used for washing cars, topping off pools, and diverting heavy flows of rainwater to prevent erosion. Most commonly, the water is used for watering lawns or gardens. Harvesting rainwater prevents stormwater runoff from picking up pollutants as it flows into the streets and storm drains, which then flows untreated into our local streams.

View available rain barrels

Once you order your rain barrel, you will be able to pick them up at Tulsa’s Household Pollutant Collection Facility at 4502 S. Galveston Ave. on the following dates:

Friday | May 1 | Noon – 5 p.m. 

Saturday | May 2 | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Friday | May 8 | Noon p.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday | May 9 | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Deadline for orders;

Online orders are due April 26, 2026

Mail-in orders are due by April 24, 2026

The City of Tulsa does not endorse any vendor over another. Nor are they the only vendors who offer rain barrels. The City of Tulsa only acts as a pickup location for Upcycle rain barrels, which eliminates shipping costs. Visit the website to find a rain barrel that works for you!

10 Years with the HPCF

The Household Pollutant Collection Facility is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2026! The HPCF has consistently seen increasing numbers since opening its doors in 2016. We strive to continue serving our community and environment to reduce the number of pollutants entering the storm system.

Please visit us at 4502 S. Galveston Ave to dispose of your household pollutants and chemicals. For a complete list of acceptable items, please check out our website at www.cityoftulsa.org/hpcf.

Species Spotlight:

Blue Mistflower

Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum), a perennial member of the Aster Family, thrives as a small shrub-like Oklahoma native. With blooms that resemble blue pom-poms, this plant can grow to about 3’-4’ in height and will spread quickly if left alone. 

You will most likely find Blue Mistflower at the edges of woody areas, along stream banks, or even in marshy areas. This plant prefers moist areas with full to part sun and can be propagated via root inclusive cuttings or by seed with appropriate cold stratification. 

The Blue Mistflowers serve as essential meal for many of our bee and butterfly species like our Monarchs or Swallowtails, hanging around late in the year. This plant is also a host plant for many different types of moths, such as the Lined Ruby Tiger Moth.