The Norman Transcript

Opinion

January 1, 2013

Federal legislation good news for Norman

NORMAN — Sunday’s passage of federal legislation allowing water to be imported from southeastern Oklahoma into Lake Thunderbird is good news for residents of central Oklahoma.

That water, which can be carried through an existing pipeline that runs near Thunderbird, will raise the lake’s level and provide the needed resources for Norman, Midwest City and Del City.

It couldn’t have come at a better time. The lake remains several feet below normal. Forecasters say the spring looks like a continuation of the years-long drought.

It also gives Norman some time to study long-range water options, as is currently being done. We’re thankful to Congressman Tom Cole and U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe for pushing through the legislation which now awaits President Obama’s signature.

The legislation won’t have an impact on anticipated conservation measures announced by Norman officials. Unless significant rainfall occurs, the city announced this past month that it would call for rationing measures in the early spring or late winter.

That’s the earliest Norman water customers have faced such conservation practices.

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