1st Quarter, 2026
The 2025 Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan (OCWP) Executive Summary and multiple supporting reports, fact sheets, data dashboards, and other products are now available online, marking a major milestone in the state’s ongoing commitment to securing a reliable water future.
The Executive Summary outlines priority water policies and strategic recommendations designed to ensure dependable water supplies while supporting Oklahoma’s diverse economy. Other OCWP products provide planning support for a wide range of users, including state and local officials, legislators, federal agencies, Tribal Nations, universities, water planners, businesses, and Oklahoma citizens.
On February 17, during its regular monthly meeting, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) unanimously approved the 2025 OCWP update and adopted a resolution submitting the plan to the Governor, Legislature, and public.
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 The OCWP identifies approximately $24 billion in critical infrastructure needs, spanning water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. It also outlines targeted actions across four key areas:
- Infrastructure and workforce
- Water supplies and storage
- Management and policy
- Data and information
Several bills currently under consideration by the Oklahoma Legislature align with OCWP priorities. Since the previous OCWP update in 2012, state leaders have demonstrated strong support for water infrastructure and planning initiatives through funding, policy development, and partnerships. Building on that foundation, stakeholders are optimistic that meaningful actions to support the 2025 plan will be advanced.
The 2025 OCWP highlights a proactive, data-driven approach to managing Oklahoma’s water resources, balancing growth with long-term resilience. As implementation begins, continued collaboration will be key to turning these recommendations into lasting results and ensuring a secure water future for Oklahoma.
📌 Explore the 2025 OCWP: Access the Executive Summary and full suite of OCWP products and tools here.
 In direct response to the OCWP recommendation to prioritize water workforce development, the OWRB has introduced a Fostering Leadership in Oklahoma Water (FLOW) workshop series dedicated to bridging the gap between technical expertise and visionary leadership. FLOW workshops have been designed for water industry professionals and community leaders, including water operators, city managers, and utility board members, who are responsible for infrastructure management and development.
Upcoming Workshops
April 22, 2026: Sharing Resources with Neighboring Systems (included with registration to the Oklahoma Rural Water Association Spring Conference)
May 12, 2026: Effective Communication and Decision-making Strategies for Small Water Systems (free of charge webinar)
 This year's Water Appreciation Day will be held on May 14 at the Oklahoma State Capitol in the second floor rotunda. Join us as an exhibitor or stop by to visit with agencies and organizations that manage, protect, and utilize Oklahoma's most valuable natural resource.
📌 Reserve your exhibit space today!
As the state’s designated water management agency, the OWRB appropriates surface water and groundwater through water use permitting. Permits are required for most uses of water in Oklahoma except for domestic use.
To manage the state’s water resources effectively, the OWRB tracks how much water is used, by whom, and where. This information allows the agency to enforce water rights, plan for the future, and comply with interstate compacts.
 The annual fee is a cost-recovery measure that supports processing water use reports, maintaining permit records, conducting inspections and compliance reviews, operating data management systems, and staffing the program year-round. This ensures the program is funded without placing the full burden on taxpayers who are not permit holders.
📌 Learn more about water permitting and annual reporting requirements. Contact us at waterpermitting@owrb.ok.gov.
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The OWRB received its 12th Top Workplace Award for 2025, ranking in the top 20 in the small companies category and first in the state agency sub-category. Congratulations to our staff and management for making the agency a great place to work!
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The OWRB is hosting floodplain administrator training across the state. Don’t miss your chance to get certified, stay up to date, and strengthen your community’s resilience. Whether you are new to floodplain management or need a refresher, this training is a valuable investment in your community’s safety and future.
2026 Training Dates and Locations
- April 14 – Woodward
- May 6 – Oklahoma City
- August 18 – Broken Arrow
- September 15 – Ponca City
- October 13 – Ardmore
- November 3 – McAlester
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As part of our Floodplain Management Program, the OWRB conducts Community Assistance Visits (CAVs) throughout the year with communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
During a CAV, we partner with local officials for the following purposes:
- Reviewing floodplain development permits and documentation
- Ensuring local floodplain ordinances align with NFIP requirements
- Touring flood hazard areas and recent development projects
- Providing technical guidance and training
- Identifying opportunities to strengthen floodplain management practices
These visits promote collaboration, supporting our communities, reducing flood risk, and protecting lives and property. We appreciate working with local leaders who are committed to resilient and responsible development.
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The OWRB offers a variety of water resources career opportunities. We employ hydrologists, geologists, biologists, meteorologists, environmental specialists, engineers, financial analysts, administrative and clerical professionals, writers, and attorneys.
OWRB staff recently connected with students at Oklahoma State University’s Career Day, highlighting the impact of our work.
📌 Apply for open positions at State of Oklahoma Careers.
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According to the latest Oklahoma Drought Monitor, 100% of the state is abnormally dry or worse, with more than 34% of the state (in area) experiencing extreme drought. The US Seasonal Drought Outlook shows likely improvement across central and eastern Oklahoma, but persistent drought in the west.
Visit drought.ok.gov for links to drought and flooding resources, including the latest Oklahoma Water Resources Bulletin, a monthly compilation of products and information developed by the Oklahoma Climatological Survey, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Department of Agriculture, and US Geological Survey.
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 This map combines weekly data from the US Drought Monitor to show historical "hot spots" from 2000-2024. It is not surprising that while central and eastern Oklahoma average less than 5 weeks of extreme drought per year, parts of southwestern Oklahoma and the panhandle are in extreme drought at more than triple that rate. |
