The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) manages the beneficial use of groundwater for purposes such as irrigation, public water supply, industry, and oil & gas across Oklahoma. The OWRB does not permit domestic water use, which includes household needs, lawn irrigation, gardens, or water for livestock. 

One of the OWRB's key responsibilities is determining how much water is available in each groundwater basin and how much can be put to beneficial use on an annual basis. This process results in two numbers: 

• Maximum Annual Yield (MAY): the maximum amount of water that can be used per year for the life of the basin.
• Equal Proportionate Share (EPS): the amount of water allowed per acre of land owned or leased per year.

Basin Update Summary

The Beaver-North Canadian River Alluvium and Terrace Groundwater Basin Reach II includes parts of Blaine, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties. A Board Order in 1983 established an EPS of 1 acre-foot per acre per year. An updated study for this area was completed in 2015 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the OWRB. Based on this research, the Board has proposed a new tentative order updating the MAY and EPS for the basin.

A public hearing will be held to allow comments and feedback:

Date: October 23, 2025

Time: 4:00 p.m. (CST)

Location: Roman Nose State Park, Chief Henry Roman Nose Hall
3236 OK-8A, Watonga, OK 73772

Proposed Changes

• New permits will allow 0.5 acre-feet of groundwater per acre.
• Existing regular permits issued under the 1990 order will keep their original allocation of 1.0 acre-foot per surface acre.
• The required spacing between wells, 1/8th of a mile (660 feet) will remain the same.
• "Prior rights" groundwater rights established before July 1, 1973, will remain unaffected.

Questions?

For questions about the tentative order, contact Alan LePera. 

For questions about your groundwater rights, contact Carissa Walker. 

OWRB Phone: (405) 530-8800