Oklahoma Water News

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3rd Quarter, 2024


Calendar

October 24
OCWP Stakeholder Input Meeting (Claremore)

October 25
OCWP Stakeholder Input Meeting (Oklahoma City)

October 28
OCWP Stakeholder Input Meeting (Woodward)

October 29
OCWP Stakeholder Input Meeting (Lone Wolf)

October 30
OCWP Stakeholder Input Meeting (Durant)

November 12
Floodplain Management 202 (McAlester)

November 19-20
Governor's Water Conference


Loan & Grant Recipients

Arkoma Municipal Authority

Arapaho Public Works Authority

Atoka Rural Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Management District No. 4

Barnsdall Public Works Authority

Boynton Public Works Authority

Broken Arrow Municipal Authority

Caddo Public Works Authority

Cherokee Development Authority

Comanche County Rural Water District No. 5

Crescent Public Works Authority

Custer City Public Works Authority

El Reno Municipal Authority

Fairmont Public Works Authority

City of Holdenville

Hollis Public Works Authority

Jenks Public Works Authority

Latimer County Rural Water District No. 4

Lawton Water Authority

Lawton Water Authority

Mannford Public Works Authority

Minco Municipal Authority

Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust

Okmulgee County Rural Water District No. 2

Okmulgee Municipal Authority

Town of Oologah

Pawnee Public Works Authority

Perkins Public Works Authority

Pittsburg County Water Authority

Porter Public Works Authority

Rogers County Rural Sewer District No. 1

Taneha Utilities Authority

Wagoner County Rural Water District No. 2

Warr Acres Public Works Authority

Wynnewood City Utilities Authority

Yale Water and Sewage Trust

Don't miss Oklahoma's largest gathering of water experts and officials!

Register now for the annual Oklahoma Governor's Water Conference and Research Symposium, a collaboration between the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Oklahoma Water Resources Center. The event attracts hundreds of water officials, researchers, and others who share an avid interest in Oklahoma's water resources management, development, and protection. Current water issues, policies, and research are discussed by state, federal, and local experts. The Student Research Water Poster Competition, held concurrently, offers students from any institution of higher learning in Oklahoma the opportunity to share research or extension/outreach topics related to water resources in Oklahoma.

DRAFT AGENDA

Attendees can reserve a room at the Embassy Suites online or call 1-800-EMBASSY and use group code 90S. Valid through October 28.

Exclusive and traditional sponsorship packages for the 2024 Oklahoma Governor's Water Conference are still available! This year's event will be held at the Embassy Suites in Norman on November 19-20. Each year, this event brings together leaders, experts, and stakeholders to address vital water management issues in our state. Your support helps us create an impactful experience for attendees and foster important discussions around Oklahoma's water future.


Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan Round 4 Regional Meetings Scheduled

The fourth in a series of stakeholder input meetings will be held in locations across the state focused on the 2025 update of the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan (OCWP). While anyone may attend, participation from local officials, water utility suppliers, regulated industry, commercial agricultural producers, economic development entities, and representing organizations is requested. Topics will include potential water management strategies to address local water challenges and a preview of policy ideas that have been collected throughout the OCWP engagement process. Visit the OCWP Public Meetings page for meeting times and locations.


Dam Safety Compliance and Deadlines

The OWRB ensures the safety of more than 4,700 jurisdictional size dams in the state, providing design standards and technical assistance for dam construction, repair, and maintenance. Prior to the construction or modification of a dam, the plans and specifications must be reviewed and approved by the OWRB.

Periodic inspections of dams must be conducted in accordance with their hazard potential classifications, as outlined below:

Inspection Frequency

All dam inspections and Emergency Action Plan (EAP) reviews/updates must be completed by December 31, 2024. Inspection reports and review fees submitted after December 31, 2024, or more than 30 days following the field inspection, will incur a late fee of $50. Inspection reports and review fees submitted after January 31, 2025, may be subject to administrative penalties of up to $500 per day for each violation.


Social Media Highlights

lori

September 19, 2024
We are excited to introduce Lori Johnson as the new Chief of the Financial Assistance Division at the Oklahoma Water Resources Board! With more than 17 years of experience and a steadfast dedication to securing vital funding for water infrastructure, Lori is set to make a significant impact in this essential role. Her expertise and visionary leadership will be key in ensuring that Oklahoma’s communities have access to sustainable and reliable water resources for the future. Join us in celebrating Lori's well-deserved appointment—her journey begins now, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow!


classroom

September 17, 2024
The OCWP team had a productive meeting yesterday with the Panhandle Focus Group. We heard from local industry, producers, cities, Universities, economic development and businesses who bring multiple perspectives to the conversation about water issues in the region. Learn more at https://oklahoma.gov/owrb/water-planning.html.


booth

September 10, 2024
Visit Jeremy Colburn and Derrick Wagner at our Water Rights Administration Division exhibit during this year's Oka' Institute Sustainability Conference in Ada. They are there to answer your questions about water rights permitting, hydrologic investigations, or well driller licensing and enforcement.


derrick

September 9, 2024
Today we had the privilege of celebrating OWRB GIS Manager Derrick Stark’s incredible achievement of promotion to Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army! We are proud to recognize his dedication, leadership, and service. As a token of our appreciation, Gene Higgins, OWRB HR Director, presented Derrick with a commemorative coin. Congratulations, MSG Stark!


Joe

August 30, 2024
After an impressive 34 years of dedicated service, we’re thrilled to honor Joe Freeman’s extraordinary journey at the Oklahoma Water Resources Board! As our longest-serving Chief, Joe's visionary leadership skyrocketed funding from $55.5 million to over $7 billion—transforming every corner of our state and delivering significant savings to communities across Oklahoma. His steadfast commitment saw us through historic challenges while cultivating a spirit of excellence and teamwork. Joe's remarkable influence will resonate in our efforts for years ahead. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering service and iconic leadership. Congratulations on building an incredible legacy, Joe!


Big check

August 16, 2024
We’re thrilled to announce that the Cherokee Development Authority has secured new funding from the OWRB to upgrade their wastewater treatment facility. This strategic loan will fund the comprehensive planning, design, and engineering needed to meet new permit requirements. And the best part? The loan will be fully forgiven through OWRB’s CWSRF program upon completion! We’re excited to see how this investment will enhance the service provided to the community and look forward to the positive impact it will bring!


Well drilling

August 13, 2024
Do you have a well you’d like to have registered with the OWRB? Is it a newer well and you’d like to have it inspected for proper well construction? Fill out this form! https://arcg.is/iKTmr0


Derrick presenting

July 17, 2024
Today OWRB GIS Manager Derrick Stark presented the Oklahoma State Flood Plan dashboard to attendees of the 2024 Esri User Conference in San Diego. Check out the dashboard at https://www.arcgis.com/.../08fca9fea74a4a6a96e14a1caf40c695


Classroom

July 16, 2024
Floodplain Management's first 202 class of the year is being held today in Chickasha with a visit to the iconic “A Christmas Story Leg Lamp” sculpture. If you would like to dig a little deeper into the basics of Floodplain Management, sign up for a 202 being offered later this year in OKC and McAlester!


Map

July 5, 2024
OWRB technical studies staff recently published a map detailing water-level changes in the Ogallala aquifer in the Panhandle from 1982-2022.


Oklahoma Water Resources Bulletin

October Drought Bulletin

See the October 2024 Issue of the Oklahoma Water Resources Bulletin for a summary of current conditions.

Visit drought.ok.gov for the latest information on drought and flooding in Oklahoma.