Statewide Comprehensive Water Plan

Established in 1965 under authority of the federal Water Resources Research Act, the Water Resources Institute (WRI) conducts non-partisan scientific research that addresses the needs of Oklahoma. In cooperation with several partners, the WRI has been asked by the OWRB to sponsor a series of meetings across the State to provide Oklahomans an opportunity to shape the next water plan.

Approximately 40 meetings will be held during 2007, beginning in the northwest part of of the State. Meetings in our area (Ardmore, Ada, Atoka) have been held. Durant is yet to be scheduled.

The OWRRI web site has additional information on the meeting locations and times. You can join the mailing list to receive updates, or you may call (405) 744-9994 for information.

It is important for us to attend the meetings, but it is even more important to have our voices heard!

We especially need written or oral presentations on areas served by the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer, Lake Texoma and Red River.

Public oral input is often limited (3 minutes or so). Because of that, it's usually more effective to submit your written comments and make a short verbal presentation at the hearing. If you do not wish to speak publicly or cannot attend a local meeting, submit your written comments by emailing to waterplan@okstate.edu. Be sure to include your name, address and telephone number. If submitting my mail, the address is:

The CPASA Board recommends the following principles for the final plan:

• Move to a sustainable use approach (abandon the current 20-year life cycle mining concept).
• Formally recognize that groundwater and stream water are integrally connected.
• Authorize regional water boards to approve/deny conjunctive use permits.
• Encourage conservation through economic incentives.
• Apply a state tax to any consumptive use.