Dry and technical issues permeate hearing on comprehensive water plan

Members of the joint legislative committee on water policy learned many of the fine scientific and engineering details that have helped the Sooner State reach the modern era with adequate water supply. 

In the midst of a continuing drought and unprecedented high temperatures, the draft of the Comprehensive Water Plan was center stage at the Wednesday (August 31) meeting held in the state House chamber. 

Details were daunting, yet important in understanding Oklahoma’s historic water usage and projected needs through the year 2060. Kyle Arthur and staff from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board laid out many of the technical details in their reports, part of the comprehensive plan that is continuing to draw public comments for about another week.

Water demand management, out-of-basin supplies, reservoir use, groundwater use and other issues were laid out in great detail. Conservation, both “moderate and substantial,” was considered as a way to slow or even flatten water needs in the coming six decades.

In all, state officials have identified 82 basins in Oklahoma. Arthur observed that varying approaches to conservation could limit water needs somewhat, perhaps regionally if not statewide. 

In late afternoon, the technical examination turned to unusual, if not unique, sources of potential water. Brackish waters, treated wastewater, recharged underground water, and even polluted waters were categorized as “marginal water supply” that might, in limited circumstances, be made useful.  Arthur made clear there are constraints on the utility of such supplies. 

Arthur was largely neutral in tone throughout the day, but reflected that “A lot of smart and hardworking people were involved” in producing the Comprehensive Water Plan. 

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, said in concluding remarks the state should plan on a “at least a one-third increase in demand for water” by 2060, but noted that tactics reviewed in the afternoon discussion “can see that flattened some.” 

Sen. Jerry Ellis of Valliant contended, in a question to Strong, the best reservoir sites have already been taken in Oklahoma, and therefore policy planners should look at dredging existing reservoirs to increase capacity. Strong said that is always a possibility, but the option would be expensive. 

State Rep. Brian Renegar of McAlester, a critic of the water plan in past meetings, asked if the water plan would be the basis for future permitting for water use. Strong replied the report is only one source of information, that issuance of permits can only follow a new fact or discovery process. 

Also attending the hearing were Sen. Brian Crain of Tulsa and Rep. Phil Richardson of Minco, the co-chairmen. Rep. Dan Sullivan of Tulsa and Sen. Mike Schulz of Altus also joined in the committee process.

The meeting drew another large crowd on the House floor to hear the technical reports and exchanges. Largely unremarked at the proceedings was the filing of a lawsuit by leaders of the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations to block state action to develop a long-term water plan until asserted treaty water rights are clarified. 

The OWRB will hold its final hearing on September 13, with limited opportunities for public comments. Formal consideration and final adoption of the plan is slated for October 17, with an unveiling at the Governor’s water conference that begins the next day. 

The plan resulted form several years of planning and a dozen community meetings held last spring.