Headlines
Pipeline likely would double water rates in Norman
Norman — The average water bill for Norman residents likely would double if the city participates in a water trust formed to build a second pipeline between southeast Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City metro area, an engineering consultant said Thursday evening during the city’s water forum.
Bryan Mitchell, a representative of the engineering firm hired to conduct a study for the dozen or so cities and municipalities looking to suck water out the wettest area of the state, said Norman and most other nearby cities likely will need more water than what’s currently available by the 2020s.
Any increase in water rates, however, would have to be approved by voters. At least here in Norman.
And Mitchell did his best to convey the message to the audience, that Norman needs water and is going to have to pay dearly — eventually — to get it. In addition to Norman and Oklahoma City, he said the new pipeline would supply water to Moore, Del City, Midwest City, Goldsby, Shawnee, Seminole, Chickasha and Edmond.
The overall estimated cost of the massive project ranges from $1.5 billion to $1.9 billion. The City of Norman’s share, which is based on projected water needs, would be between $360 million and $420 million.
“The days of inexpensive solutions are over,” Mitchell said. “You’re talking about a tremendous amount of money, but you’re also talking about one-third of the state’s population.
“That’s a pretty big solution … it kind of puts this in perspective.”
Mitchell said the cheapest option — which is the recommended option at this point — would be to take water from the Kiamichi River at the Moyer Crossing, pump it to Lake Atoka, treat it at Lake Stanley Draper and then on to Norman from there. He said Norman residents currently pay about $16 per month for potable water, a figure that would rise to about $33 by 2040 in order to pay for the costs associated with bringing water from southeast Oklahoma.
Mitchell said the main hurdle dipping into the Kiamichi River presents is the environmental aspect. He said the river is home to many endangered creatures, including fresh water mussels and several species of bird.
“Today’s federal laws don’t allow you to be anything but responsible,” Mitchell said, referring to Environmental Protection Agency regulations that can derail projects deemed too intrusive to wildlife.
Oklahoma City Utilities Director Marsha Slaughter, along with Mitchell, was grilled by a leery audience during the city’s fifth of eight forums on sustainable water sources. She said the trust hasn’t been formed — although she claims Oklahoma City is firmly committed to holding up its large end of the deal when the ball starts rolling — and claimed there was no deadline as far as she knew for those cities wishing to participate.
“There’s not been a decision made yet, but it’s something that’s out there for discussion,” Slaughter said.
Andrew Knittle 366-3540 aknittle@normantranscript.com
- Headlines
-
-
McClain Co. deaths ruled homicides
The State Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the manner of death for a mother and her two children found inside a burned mobile home last week in rural McClain County is homicide....
-
On the fast track
At midnight on Saturday, while others snooze, Andrea Troupe and Bryan Daniels will begin clocking a 23-hour, cross country drive....
-
Local firm begins courthouse security training
Those who regularly visit the Cleveland County Courthouse will soon notice new faces at the east and west doors....
-
Unemployment up in county
Cleveland County’s unemployment rate increased from 6 percent to 6.2 percent last month, state officials said Wednesday....
-
Voter deadline is Friday
Friday is the final day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the Aug. 24 state and county runoff primary election and Norman, special and Noble school special elections....
-
NPS enrollment confirmation begins Monday
All elementary school students (new and pre-enrolled) in the Norman Public Schools must have enrollment confirmed. Parents can go to their child’s elementary school from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday or Tuesday to confirm enrollment....
-
152 die in plane crash
ISLAMABAD — A passenger jet that officials suspect veered off course in monsoon rains and thick clouds crashed into hills overlooking Pakistan’s capital Wednesday, killing all 152 people on board and scattering body parts and twisted metal ...
-
Animal Welfare officers seize dogs from home
According to Norman Animal Welfare, officers received a complaint on July 19 from a citizen that the residence at 13780 Mesquite Road in Norman was running a “puppy mill.” Animal Welfare Officer Trey Amrein was assigned to investigate the ...
-
Construction of Oklahoma City tower reaches key point
OKLAHOMA CITY — Construction on what will be the tallest building in Oklahoma has reached a key stage and soon will accelerate, a top official from Devon Energy Corp. said Wednesday....
-
Mueller defends bureau over cheating
WASHINGTON — FBI Director Robert Mueller told Congress on Wednesday that he does not know how many of his agents cheated on an important exam on the bureau’s policies, discussing an embarrassing investigation that raises questions about ...
- More Headlines Headlines
-
McClain Co. deaths ruled homicides
