The Norman Transcript

Local news

January 22, 2010

Water plan takes 'booms and busts' into account

Right now, Oklahoma is in the midst of a protracted "time of plenty" as far as water is concerned.

Has been since the early 1980s.

But according to Kyle Arthur, a planner with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, that can -- and will -- change.

"There are booms and busts and we must be prepared," Arthur said. "Those rough times will come."

In fact, a short dry spell in the mid-2000s was enough to convince Oklahoma legislators to spend about $5 million on a new water plan for the state, which will be the third, once it's completed in late 2011.

Arthur said the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan is an update of previous plans, which were completed in 1980 and 1995, and has been in the works for about four years. He said the plan is focused on identifying a reliable supply for the state 50 years into the future and beyond.

Along with Bryan Mitchell, an engineer who has been working the OWRB to develop the new plan, Arthur answered audience questions regarding the state's water during the City of Norman's second of eight public forums on water sustainability.

Reusing water

Arthur said officials have two groups looking at marginal-quality water, including wastewater and runoff water, and aquifer recharge, where water is pumped underground during times of ample supply.

The OWRB encourages the reuse of water, although Arthur believes the pricey technology for treating wastewater -- not to mention the state and federal regulations that will govern its use -- represent the "biggest hurdles" to its widespread use in the foreseeable future.

Mitchell said wastewater isn't currently included in the OCWP and that he doesn't think it will make it into the latest installation.

Arthur also said reusing water isn't "a cure-all" and costs a lot of money, adding that it also infringes on water rights of other stakeholders.

Demand projections

Arthur said the state's water demand projections are based on "sophisticated statistical models, some assumptions" and work groups from around the state who provided input to ensure estimates were as accurate as possible.

Since work on the new plan began, the OCWP's developers have hosted 42 local meetings, including one in Norman, held 11 regional meetings and conducted 30 planning workshops. In May, a town hall meeting will be held in Norman at the National Center for Employee Development, 2701 E. Imhoff Road.

Arthur said policy recommendation will only come after a round of feedback meetings, most likely in 2011.

"It's a guess, there are assumptions involved, but I feel pretty comfortable," Arthur said of the plan.

Tribes, water and the law

Responding to a second question regarding tribes and water rights, Arthur said the state of Oklahoma doesn't recognize tribal claims on water supplies. He said rights to groundwater are based on property law, but that streams and most other surface waters are publicly owned and regulated by state and federal governments.

Arthur also said that tribes have been "very engaged" in the new water plan's development and that the OWRB has retained a tribal water law expert from the University of Oklahoma to work on the project.

The City of Norman's next water sustainability forum, scheduled Feb. 4, will focus on water supply options.

Those interested in attending the forum are asked to call the Utilities Department at 366-5443 to reserve a place and receive an information packet for the meeting.

Andrew Knittle 366-3540 aknittle@normantranscript.com

Text Only
Local news
  • Bonds awarded at low interest

    Norman residents most likely will not notice any property tax increase from bonds awarded to an underwriter by the Norman City Council on Tuesday night, city Finance Director Anthony Francisco said....

    February 15, 2012

  • Police link man to multiple rapes

    Cleveland County prosecutors are expected to file as many as 20 felony charges ranging from burglary to first-degree rape and forcible oral sodomy against a former OU student who police say confessed to sexual assaults on Norman college ...

    February 15, 2012

  • Preliminary hearing set for former OU professor

    By Joel Pruett On Tuesday, the preliminary hearing for a former University of Oklahoma professor suspected of rape and sexual abuse of and lewd acts with children was set for May 10....

    February 15, 2012

  • School board results

    The unofficial results of yesterday night’s election are in, with no close races and no reported complications with new machinery and ballots. Voters largely favored incumbents where applicable. Results are as follows: · Lexington ...

    February 15, 2012

  • Pedestrian in serious condition

    A 64-year-old Norman man improved from critical condition to serious condition Tuesday night. He remains in OU Medical Center after being struck Monday while crossing 12th Avenue Northeast, north of Main Street....

    February 15, 2012

  • Pekingese becomes America’s top dog

    NEW YORK — This Peke was at his peak. Malachy the Pekingese wobbled off with best in show Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club, becoming America’s dog to the delight of an adoring crowd that called his name....

    February 15, 2012

  • Castiglione speaks at All Saints

    Earlier this month, Catholic schools nationwide celebrated Catholic Schools week with various themed activities and fundraisers....

    February 15, 2012

  • NPS to purchase radios

    The FCC killed the wideband star, and it’s about to cost Norman Public Schools Schools up to $200,000....

    February 14, 2012

  • Marc Heitz raises nearly $32K for hungry children

    Spinning around an ice skating rink, many Norman residents contributed to raising nearly $32,000 to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma during the past holiday season....

    February 14, 2012

  • City council considers transportation bonds

    Tonight at 6:30, the Norman City Council will vote on whether to approve bids on transportion bonds totaling $33 million. If approved, the bond package will go to voters on June 26. The council also will consider whether to commission a ...

    February 14, 2012

The Business Marquee
Facebook