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“I commend the OWRB and Director Strong for this well-deserved recognition as one of Oklahoma's 'Top Workplaces' for a third consecutive year," said Governor Fallin.  "The OWRB is a great example of efficient and responsive state government of which the citizens of Oklahoma can be proud."

"We are deeply honored to be named to the list of Top Oklahoma Workplaces for a third year in a row, and also to be the only state agency to have made the list three consecutive years.  It's my hope that we've made the list each year because of many factors.  I know it starts with the people first and foremost and we have a great group of Oklahomans working here at the OWRB.  They are talented, fun, and very generous," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.  J.D. added, "I also think it's important to have a purpose, and the OWRB plays a very important role in managing Oklahoma's water resources.  We have great opportunities for individuals from a wide range of education backgrounds - from science and public service, to financial services to engineering - to grow and achieve their career goals.  I'm proud to serve the state of Oklahoma with each one of them, and Oklahomans can be proud of their forthright service."

Oklahoma’s water agency since 1957, the mission of the OWRB is to enhance the quality of life for Oklahomans by managing, protecting, and improving the state’s water resources to ensure clean, safe, and reliable water supplies, a strong economy, and a healthy environment. The primary duties and responsibilities of the agency—which employs approximately 100 scientists, engineers and financial analysts—include water use appropriation and permitting, water quality monitoring and standard-setting, financial assistance for water and sewer infrastructure, dam safety, floodplain management, water supply planning (including development of the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan and the Water for 2060 Initiative), technical studies and research, and water resource mapping.

The Oklahoman published the complete list of Top Workplaces on Sunday, December 6th. For more information about the Top Workplaces, visit The Oklahoman's website or www.topworkplaces.com.

The Authority will utilize the proceeds to construct approximately 11.6 miles of 8-inch PVC waterline, 2.5 miles of 6-inch waterline, and one 150 gallon per minute booster pump station. This project will help Garber abandon its water wells with poor water quality by connecting to Enid Municipal Authority. The project will help meet the State of Oklahoma's Water for 2060 goals by focusing on improving water quality and supply security through regionalization of separate water systems.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority's customers will save an estimated $3,225,000, compared to traditional financing. Local officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Chairman Sam Strecker and Councilman Warren Dell.

The DWSRF program is administered by the OWRB and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The DWSRF program has provided approximately $916 million in drinking water loans to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, and Scott Thompson, executive director of the ODEQ, express their sincere appreciation to State Senator Patrick Anderson and State Representative John Pfeiffer for their support of the DWSRF program.

The Logan County RWS & SWMD No. 1 (District) received approval for $1,400,000 in funding Wednesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the District's water infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the District's water system will be funded by the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).

The District will utilize the proceeds to relocate an existing standpipe, construct a storage tank, construct a pump station, construct a chemical feed system, and install a water line from the Town of Langston to the Town of Meridian in order to abandon Meridian's wells with poor water quality. The project will help meet the State of Oklahoma's Water for 2060 goals by focusing on improving water efficiency and supply security through regionalization of separate water systems.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the District's customers will save an estimated $2,740,000, compared to traditional financing. Local officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Marilyn Barton, Chairman and Buddy Thompson, District Manager.

The DWSRF program is administered by the OWRB and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The DWSRF program has provided approximately $916 million in drinking water loans to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, and Scott Thompson, executive director of the ODEQ, express their sincere appreciation to State Senator Senator AJ Griffin and State Representative Jason Murphey for their support of the DWSRF program.

The conference, themed "Drought-Proofing Oklahoma" this year, will feature several panels that focus on issues related to drought planning while highlighting the release of Oklahoma's Water for 2060 Final Report - a plan outlining how Oklahoma can achieve a bold, statewide goal of consuming no more fresh water in 2060 than was consumed in 2012.

Local, state, and national water planners, elected officials, business leaders, and many more conference attendees will gather to examine the key features and recommendations of the Final Report - conservation-related outreach, incentive, recognition, and pricing programs, as well as topics such as regional water planning, managed aquifer water storage, water system leak and loss detection, and water reuse and reclamation to name a few.

The conference will be paired again with the Oklahoma Water Resources Center's academic Research Symposium will feature poster and oral presentations by students and professionals on a wide variety of water-related topics.

"This year, much of the state has experienced higher levels of moisture which ultimately helped to hasten the end of a five-year drought. Still, the unfortunate reality of Oklahoma's precipitation history ensures that the state undoubtedly will battle severe drought conditions again in the future," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director and Chairman of the Water for 2060 Advisory Council. "We invite you to join us as we explore these issues and the Water for 2060 Final Report."

With passage of House Bill 3055 (the Water For 2060 Act) in 2012, Oklahoma became the first state in the nation to establish a bold, statewide goal of consuming no more fresh water in 2060 than was consumed in 2012. The OWRB and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers partnered to support the work of the Water for 2060 Advisory Council - a fifteen member Council charged with studying and recommending appropriate water conservation practices, incentives, and educational programs to moderate statewide water usage while preserving Oklahoma's population growth and economic development goals. The Council's Final Report was submitted to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore in November 2015.

The Authority will utilize the loan proceeds to replace and install approximately 1,843 water meters with new meters that have Automated Meter Reading (AMR) capabilities. The project helps improve water conservation and efficiency by reducing water loss in the Authority's system. AMRs provide leak detection alerts, thereby reducing unintended flows to the wastewater system. Additionally, installation of AMRs could lead to increased water supply reliability because the Authority has a better understanding of any potential system vulnerabilities. The project will help meet the statewide Water for 2060 goals.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority's customers will save an estimated $485,000, over the life of the 15-year loan, compared to traditional financing. The CWSRF loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority's water, sewer and solid waste systems, as well as a 3.5 cents sales tax. Local official attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application was Greg Buckley, City Manager.

The CWSRF program is administered by the OWRB with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CWSRF program has approved approximately $1.3 billion in loans to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, expressed his sincere appreciation to Senator Roger Thompson and State Representative Ed Cannaday for their support of the CWSRF program.

The Authority will utilize the loan proceeds to purchase and install approximately 1,000 water meters which have Automated Meter Reading (AMR) capabilities to replace current meters. The project helps improve water conservation and efficiency by reducing water loss in the Authority's system. AMRs provide leak detection alerts, thereby reducing unintended flows to the wastewater system. Additionally, installation of AMRs could lead to increased water supply reliability because the Authority has a better understanding of any potential system vulnerabilities. The project will help meet the statewide Water for 2060 goals.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority's customers will save an estimated $165,000, over the life of the 15-year loan, compared to traditional financing. The CWSRF loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority's water, sewer, gas, and sanitation systems. Local officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application were Tim Young, City Manager and Aaron Flattery Public Works Director.

The CWSRF program is administered by the OWRB with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CWSRF program has approved approximately $1.3 billion in loans to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, expressed his sincere appreciation to Senator Ron Justice and Representative Scott R. Biggs for their support of the CWSRF program.

To receive a free copy by mail, print and complete an order form and send a check or money order for $10 for postage and handling to the OWRB, 3800 N. Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Copies are also available for pick-up at no charge at the OWRB's main office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Lakes of Oklahoma maps have been produced from a variety of datasets, including the National Elevation Dataset, National Hydrography Dataset, Watershed Boundary Dataset, US Bureau of Reclamation and Corps of Engineers lake data, and US Census Bureau TIGER line files. Locations of fish attractors were provided by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Other information was obtained through the National Parks Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and US Forest Service. Orthorectified aerial imagery from the National Agriculture Imagery Program of the USDA-FSA Aerial Photography Field Office was used as the background for the maps. Most of the NAIP imagery was flown in 2013, but in a few instances, 2010 imagery was used.

The advisory council’s final report will help in achieving the statewide goal of consuming no more fresh water in 2060 than was consumed in 2012.  The advisory council was charged with studying and recommending appropriate water conservation practices, incentives and educational programs to improve efficiency of statewide water usage while preserving Oklahoma’s population growth and economic development goals. 

"I am pleased to receive the advisory council’s final report and recommendations for encouraging prudent water use measures across all of Oklahoma’s major water use sectors,” said Fallin.  “Oklahoma is truly unique in setting such an ambitious goal for water efficiency, conservation, recycling and reuse.  I look forward to reviewing the recommendations put forward to determine our next steps in ensuring that all Oklahomans have access to fresh water resources for decades to come, while at the same time promoting continued economic development and improved quality of life in our state.”

The report includes 12 key recommendations that are the product of interactive dialogue with water users across Oklahoma and collaborative discussions to determine approaches that can effectively promote water efficiency efforts by all Oklahomans.  The advisory council based its recommendations on best practices in use in Oklahoma and incentive programs in place in other states. The information was supplemented with an analysis of data from the 2012 Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan and estimates of the cost-effectiveness of various measures for enhancing water use efficiency and the use of alternative sources of supply.

In addition to its sector-specific recommendations, the report suggests development of public education and outreach materials, a statewide water conservation campaign, and an Oklahoma water efficiency portal as collaborative efforts to help the state achieve its goals.

"I am encouraged by the advisory council's analysis that it is indeed possible to achieve the Water for 2060 goal through increased conservation and the use of non-traditional sources to offset future growth in demand,” Fallin said. “However, there is no doubt that it will take each and every one of us working together to become the nation's most water-efficient state.”

"To meet the ultimate goal of Water for 2060 will require effort and participation from all water users, whether changing our daily behaviors and decisions at home to new innovations and practices for crop irrigation, energy production and industry,” said J.D. Strong, Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) executive director and Water for 2060 advisory council chairman. “We must never forget that water conservation will be key to meeting Oklahoma’s long-term water needs because it remains the cheapest and quickest way to preserve Oklahoma's water resources for future generations.”

Advisory council members were chosen for their expertise in the areas of municipal, rural, agricultural, industrial, oil and gas, and recreational water uses, as well as water efficiency, water reuse, and marginal and brackish water use practices and technologies.  The advisory council's work was supported by a partnership between the OWRB and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

More information on the Water for 2060 initiative, including its final report and a full list of members, can be found here.

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The Authority will utilize the loan proceeds and other funds to construct a 150 gallon per minute (gpm) reverse osmosis membrane water treatment plant, a line to transport raw water to the plant from the existing well field, a treated water line to the existing standpipe and other related components. The new reverse osmosis water treatment plant will enable the community to meet federal drinking water standards for nitrates.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority's customers will save an estimated $902,000, over the life of the 28-year loan, compared to traditional financing. The DWSRF loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority's water, sewer, and sanitation systems and a 1 cent sales tax. Local officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Mayor David Root, Town manager Dan Price, and consulting engineer Danny Coltrane.

The DWSRF program is administered by the OWRB and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The DWSRF program has provided approximately $916 million in drinking water loans to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, and Scott Thompson, executive director of the ODEQ, express their sincere appreciation to State Senator Mike Schulz and State Representative Todd Russ for their support of the DWSRF program.

The District will use the loan proceeds to acquire and install approximately 320 new auto read water meters with approximately 100 new meter boxes. These meters will replace current water meters and will be compatible with the existing auto read meters the system currently has in place.

The project focuses on improving water conservation and efficiency by reducing water loss in the District's system. AMRs provide leak detection alerts and could lead to increased water supply reliability because the system has a better understanding of potential vulnerabilities. The project will help meet the State of Oklahoma's Water for 2060 goals.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the District's customers will save an estimated $199,000, over the life of the 16-year loan, compared to traditional financing. The CWSRF loan shall be secured by with a lien on the revenues of the District's water system. Hughes County Rural Water District No. 5 officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Phil Brown, consulting engineer.

The CWSRF program is administered by the OWRB with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CWSRF program has approved approximately $1.3 billion in loans to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, expressed his sincere appreciation to State Senators Jason Smalley and Susan Paddack, and State Representative Tom Newell and Steve Kouplen, for their support of the CWSRF program.

The Authority will utilize the loan proceeds to construct a new wastewater treatment plant that incorporates upgraded technology to treat wastewater. They also plan to rehabilitate and repurpose one of the system's two existing aeration basins, as well as the emergency holding pond, into a two-cell Flow Equalization Basin (FEB). The other aeration basin will be used as a stabilized sludge holding basin. This project focuses on water quality by helping the Authority maintain its compliance with current permit requirements, construction standards, and water quality standards.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority's customers will save an estimated $1,624,000, over the life of the 30-year loan, compared to traditional financing. The CWSRF loan shall be secured by with a lien on the revenues of the Authority's water, sewer, and sanitation systems. Local officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Mayor David Adams and David Wyatt, City Engineer.

The CWSRF program is administered by the OWRB with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CWSRF program has approved approximately $1.3 billion in loans to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, expressed his sincere appreciation to State Senator John Sparks and State Representative Bobby Cleveland for their support of the CWSRF program.

The Authority will utilize the loan proceeds for multiple sewer system and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) improvements including: improvements to the nitrification treatment process at the Northside WWTP; replacement of the large spaced bar screens at the Apache Lift Station; construction of odor control improvements at Southside WWTP; replacement of equipment at the 71st St. dewatering facility; construction of a geo-membrane lined flow basin and the expansion of the effluent water pumping station at Haikey Creek WWTP; design of a new diffused aeration basin, blower building and blowers, piping, and other equipment at the Haikey Creek WWTP; and design and construction to repair and replace sewer lines system-wide.

After construction, the new effluent water pumping station will help the Authority further align operations with the statewide Water for 2060 goals by implementing wastewater infrastructure projects to allow for reuse of water for non-potable needs. By implementing repairs and replacing defective sanitary sewer lines the Authority is also able to reduce the amount of potential sewer overflows. With improvement to the Northside WWTP Nitrification system, the Authority will be able to maintain compliance with their current permit and Oklahoma's water quality standards.

The CWSRF loan shall be secured by with a lien on gross revenues of the Authority's sanitary sewer and wastewater system less the general obligation wastewater bond contribution, all as set forth in the Wastewater System Lease and Operation and Maintenance Contract dated as of July 1, 1989 between the City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority. The Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Bob Shelton, engineer for the City of Tulsa.

The CWSRF program is administered by the OWRB with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CWSRF program has approved approximately $1.3 billion in loans to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, expressed his sincere appreciation to state legislators from the Tulsa area for their support of the CWSRF program.

Smithee's fellow inductees include Oklahoma City University President Robert Henry, noted Oklahoma conservation photographer Kimberly Baker. The inductees will be recognized for their ongoing commitment to protect and preserve the Illinois River, its tributaries, and Lake Tenkiller.

"It's an honor to be chosen to the Scenic River Hall of Fame by STIR. I appreciate the hard-work and dedication that their organization brings to the issues facing water quality in the eastern portion of Oklahoma," said Smithee. "I look forward to working alongside STIR and all Oklahomans on continued projects to benefit our state's water resources."

Smithee, a 32-year veteran of the fight for water quality, served on a technical advisory group that reaffirmed the numerical standard for phosphorus levels in the Illinois River. He was recently appointed by Governor Mary Fallin to lead the Scenic Rivers Joint Study Committee, charged with determining the correlation between phosphorus, primary productivity, and algae growth. The study continues through December 2016.

These three honorees have contributed significantly to STIR's mission as watchdogs for water quality in northeast Oklahoma, according to Denise Deason-Toyne, president of STIR, a grassroots organization formed in 1984.

For more information, visit illinoisriver.org.

The project was funded through a $575,000 Emergency Drought Relief (EDR) grant through the Emergency Drought Relief Commission's fund, as well as a $2.3 million loan through Oklahoma's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program.

Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Scott Thompson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board J.D. Strong, and Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission Trey Lamb, all members of the Emergency Drought Commission, were joined by State Senator Mike Schulz, State Representative Charles Ortega, Mayor Jack Smiley, and several other city councilors and local officials.

The EDR grant and Emergency Drought Relief Commission, which were created through passage of HB 1923 in 2012, consists of Oklahoma's secretary of agriculture and the executive directors of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.

The DWSRF loan program is administered by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) with partial funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"Drought-proofing Oklahoma is not just our mission, it's a key issue to the future viability our state. Though water is a resource that we cannot create, we can increase its availability through its wise and efficient use," said J.D. Strong, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. "I commend Governor Fallin and the Legislature's work on drought response and planning initiatives, and I appreciate the many regional and community efforts underway to do their part in drought-proofing."

Sen. Schulz and Rep. Ortega, both representing Altus, voted in support of the drought relief legislation in 2012, as well as Oklahoma's efforts to provide loan and grant funding to communities for the improvement of water and wastewater infrastructure.

"As the drought continues, the citizens of Altus and this entire region continue to fight its effects with sound planning, better technology, and more efficient infrastructure," said Senator Mike Schulz. "The reality is that many of those types of improvements have a cost associated with them, especially during an extended emergency-level drought. That's why I was a strong supporter of HB 1923 in 2012, and I continue to support other initiatives related to drought-relief."

At that time, State Representative Ortega also added, "It was an honor to support the creation of the Emergency Drought Relief Commission and these grant resources for drought-stricken areas in southwestern Oklahoma. Nearly every Altus citizen has been negatively impacted in some way or another by the drought conditions. The project this grant will fund is another critical step in addressing the community's water needs."

Preceding the full annual meeting on the afternoon of September 23, 2015, the Compact's Committees will meet as follows:

• 2:30 p.m. - Environmental and Natural Resources Committee
• 3:30 p.m. - Legal Committee
• As needed - Engineering Committee and Budget Committee

Oklahoma is a party to four separate interstate stream compacts involving all the surface waters in that flow into or out of Oklahoma. The others include the Canadian River Compact among New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma; the Arkansas River Basin Compact between Kansas and Oklahoma; and the Red River Compact among Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

For more information regarding Oklahoma's interstate stream compacts, visit: https://www.owrb.ok.gov

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, and Scott Thompson, executive director of the ODEQ, express their sincere appreciation to State Senator Susan Paddack and State Representative Todd Thomsen for their support of the DWSRF program.

With a focus on visual activities for Expo attendees, the OWRB booth will feature a viewing station for macroinvertebrate organisms commonly found in Oklahoma's lakes and streams. Macroinvertebrates are basically small aquatic insects that serve as a food source for fish in Oklahoma's lakes and streams. Studying macroinvertebrates helps the OWRB's water monitoring teams determine the health status of a particular aquatic ecosystem.

The OWRB's booth will also include a model for demonstrating how water flows through the ground beneath our feet. The model simulates how both water and other substances move through different types of aquifers allowing people to "see" groundwater.

"We are excited to participate in the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo again this year. The OWRB works closely with Oklahoma's Wildlife Department and other wildlife related groups throughout the year, and the Expo is always a great event for Oklahoma students and other attendees," said Chris Hargis a member of the OWRB's Water Monitoring team.

For more information regarding the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, visit http://www.wildlifedepartmentexpo.com.

The Authority will use the loan proceeds for improvements and rehabilitation of two existing water wells, replacement of a transmission line from Byrd's Mill Spring to the Ada water treatment plant, installation of a treated water line parallel to the new transmission line, rehabilitation of the Byrd's Mill Spring water storage facility, improvements to the water treatment plant, and replacement of a water storage tank.

The project will provide specific water quality and public health benefits for residents and businesses in and near Ada. The Authority is also reducing water loss by addressing aging infrastructure and providing greater energy and water efficiency. Overall, the project is helping to preserve the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority's customers will save an estimated $10,925,000, over the life of the 30-year loan, compared to traditional financing. The DWSRF loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority's water, sewer, and sanitation systems. The local officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Cody Holcomb, City Manager, and Gary Kinder, City Engineer.

The DWSRF program is administered by the OWRB and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The DWSRF program has provided approximately $916 million in drinking water loans to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, and Scott Thompson, executive director of the ODEQ, express their sincere appreciation to State Senator Susan Paddack and State Representative Todd Thomsen for their support of the DWSRF program.

The Authority, which serves a population of about 320, receives water from the Avant Lake and treats the water at their slow sand water treatment facility. The system's two existing 22,000-gallon potable water storage tanks were constructed in 1968. In 2013, the Authority completed an assessment of the storage tanks' condition which demonstrated a need for improvement.

The proposed project includes construction of two new 60,000-gallon potable water storage tanks, new influent and effluent water lines, as well as other related construction. The project will receive additional funding, including a $300,500 Community Development Block Grant and $5,000 in local funds, for a total project cost $341,500.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the REAP grant will save the Authority's customers $64,800 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Eddie Fields and State Representative Sean Roberts for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

The Authority owns and operates a public water system which was constructed in the early 1970s. The water system receives water from two wells which is then stored in a 150,000-gallon stand pipe. The storage structure interior is in need of rehabilitation. The proposed project includes cleaning and painting the interior of the existing stand pipe, and other related construction.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $75,600 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Charles Wyrick and State Representative Chuck Hoskin for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma,"" said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

The Authority will use the loan proceeds to acquire and install approximately 8,000 Automated Meter Reading (AMR) water meters, as well as meter boxes, meter box lids, shut-off valves, hand-held meter reading devices with GPS, barcode scanners, and other related equipment.

This project focuses on water conservation and efficiency by reducing water loss in Broken Arrow's system. AMRs provide leak detection alerts, thereby reducing unintended flows to the wastewater system. Additionally, the installation of AMRs could lead to increased water supply reliability because the system has a better understanding of potential vulnerabilities. The project will help meet statewide Water for 2060 goals.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority's customers will save an estimated $563,000, over the life of the 5-year loan, compared to traditional financing. The CWSRF loan shall be secured by with a lien on the revenues of the Applicant's water, sewer, and sanitation systems, as well as a 1 cent sales tax. The Broken Arrow Municipal Authority officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Tom Caldwell, Finance Director, and Anthony Daniel, Utilities Director.

The CWSRF program is administered by the OWRB with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CWSRF program has approved approximately $1.3 billion in loans to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB, expressed his sincere appreciation to state legislators from the Broken Arrow area for their support of the CWSRF program.

The District owns and operates a water system which serves 336 water taps. The service area of the District was originally located solely within Hughes County. However, due to the District's growth, 80 percent of its customers are now located in Seminole County.

Most of the water meters in the system are aged and in need of replacement. To address this, the District is planning to replace the meters with new automatic meter reading (AMR) systems in two project phases. This proposed project is the first phase, and includes replacement of 124 meters with AMRs, as well as other related construction as needed. Funding for the first phase of the project will also include $5,600 in local funds.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $55,800 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Susan Paddack and State Representative Steve Kouplen for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

The Authority owns and operates a water system that serves a population of 901. The distribution system consists of cast iron and transite pipe waterlines. The proposed project includes replacing deteriorating cast iron and transite pipes with 1,050 linear feet of new 8-inch PVC water line, as well as other related construction.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $136,260 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Mike Schulz and State Representative Todd Russ for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

Waukomis owns and operates a water supply and distribution system which serves a population of 620. The water sources for the community include nine water wells, as well as additional water purchased from the City of Enid. During Waukomis' high usage periods, the system has experienced the need to use higher amounts of water purchased from Enid to meet the community's daily needs. The proposed project includes drilling a new well near Waukomis's existing well field, and other related construction. The project will also include $6,900 in local funds for a total project cost of $99,900.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $167,400 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Patrick Anderson and State Representative John Enns for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

"I am deeply honored to be chosen by my colleagues and peers at ACWA for this prestigious award," said Smithee. "My membership and service in the association has played an important role in helping me to better guide water quality and monitoring programs in the state of Oklahoma."

With 31 total years of public service, Smithee has lead the OWRB's Water Quality Programs Division since 1995. In that role, he has managed the promulgation of Oklahoma's Water Quality Standards (WQS) and Standards Implementation rules, lake monitoring work including diagnostic and feasibility studies as well as restorations, and much of Oklahoma's surface and groundwater monitoring programs.

"Derek is an exemplary public servant for the citizens of Oklahoma," said OWRB Executive Director J.D. Strong. "His steady leadership of the OWRB's Water Quality Programs Division, and his professional commitment to water resource management, have made him instrumental in the development of numerous state and federal water regulations."

In addition to ACWA, Smithee serves on numerous other state and federal water policy workgroups including the National USDA/EPA Nutrient Criteria Advisory Committee, EPA's National Large Rivers Workgroup, Bacteria/Recreation Workgroup, Oklahoma's Water Quality Monitoring Council, Oklahoma's 303(d)/305(b) Workgroup, the Oklahoma Department Environmental Quality's Water Rules Committee, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture's CAFO Rules Committee, the WQS Implementation Advisory Committee, and others.

Smithee received his B.S. from Oklahoma State University in Zoology in 1983 while playing football for Coach Jimmy Johnson and working at the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. He received his M.S. from the University of Oklahoma in 1987 in Environmental Science. He began work for the Oklahoma State Department of Health in 1984, transferred to the OWRB in 1987 as WQS Coordinator and has been Water Quality Programs Division Chief since 1995.

Founded in 1961, ACWA is a national, nonpartisan professional organization that consists of State, Interstate, and Territorial officials who are responsible for the implementation of surface water protection programs throughout the nation.

The Authority has two water wells that draw water from the Rush Springs Aquifer. Currently, only one of those wells is a reliable source of water, and is being used to meet the community's entire water demand. The second well is producing sand, and the water is not usable. The proposed project includes jetting-out the impaired well followed by the installation of a new vertical turbine pump, an 8-inch casing, and a well screen in the existing bore hole in order to utilize a gravel pack to mitigate the sand turbidity problems.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $143,804 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Darcy Jech and State Representative David Perryman for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

The Panama Public Works Authority owns and operates a sewer system that serves a population of 1,413. The existing sewer system consists of gravity collection mains and a wastewater treatment plant that discharges into the Poteau River. Due to age, the collection system experiences high amounts of inflow and infiltration during heavy rainfall. Line replacement and spot repairs are needed throughout the system to reduce these inflow and infiltration issues. The proposed project includes removal and replacement of approximately 265 linear feet of 8-inch sewer line, removal and replacement of one manhole, sewer line spot repairs, and other related construction.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $156,600 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Mark Allen and State Representative Ed Cannaday for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

The Authority will use the funds to replace the current water meters with meters containing encoded registers compatible with Automated Meter Reading (AMR) functionality and a "drive-by" receiver installed in a vehicle.

The project focuses on improving water conservation and efficiency by reducing water loss in the Authority's system. AMRs provide leak detection alerts, thereby reducing unintended flows to the Authority's wastewater system. Additionally, AMRs could lead to increased water supply reliability because the system has a better understanding of potential vulnerabilities. The project will help meet the State of Oklahoma's Water for 2060 goals.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Perkins Public Works Authority's customers will save an estimated $380,500, over the life of the loan repayment period, compared to traditional financing. The CWSRF loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority's water and sewer systems, and a one-cent sales tax. Perkins officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Bob Ernst, City Manager, Rashel Carnefix, City Clerk, and Michael Taylor, project engineer.

The CWSRF program is administered by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Oklahoma utilizes the CWSRF program to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator James Halligan and State Representative Lee Denney for their support of our financial assistance programs," said J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB.

The Authority recently conducted a study to evaluate unaccounted water loss in its water system. To address the loss, the Authority is planning to replace all the 690 meters in its system with new automatic meter reading (AMR) systems over two project phases. The proposed project is the first phase which includes the replacement of 350 AMRs, and other related equipment necessary for system monitoring.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $143,820 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Kim David and State Representative Wade Rousselot for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

Stonewall Public Works Authority owns and operates a water system which serves a population of 470, and is supplied by three water wells. Currently, there is one fully operational well, one partially operational well, and one that is out-of-service. The wells together barely produce a maximum daily use of 105 gallons per minute, and do not produce any reserve capacity. If one of the wells is shut down for maintenance, there will be a water shortage in the community. To help correct the issue, the proposed project includes installing new submersible pumps, a control panel, piping improvements, new buildings at Well No. 2 and Well No. 3, and other related construction.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $177,660 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Susan Paddack and State Representative Todd Thomsen for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

The Authority's original gravity sewer collection system dates to the 1950's, and a majority of the system consists of vitrified clay pipe. An 8-inch gravity sewer line located in Block 28 of the town of Binger has been experiencing severe problems including multiple sewer back-ups. The line is suspected to be collapsed. The proposed project includes removing the manhole at the lower end of the line, pipe burst approximately 400 linear feet of the deteriorated line, and installing a new manhole.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save Binger residents more than $72,616 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow those funds. Paula James, Town Clerk, attended the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the grant application.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Darcy Jech and State Representative David Perryman for their support of our financial assistance programs," said J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB.

The Authority will use the loan for: design and construction of the Kenwood Hills Booster Pump Station and bar screens at 5 lift stations; land acquisition and design of a 2-3 million gallons per day elevated storage tank; right-of-way and design for new waterlines; design of sewer lines and the Elm Creek Trunk line; rehabilitation of the Haikey Creek Trunk Line, the Lynn Lane Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Oneta Road Sewer Lift Station; right-of-way acquisition for the Aspen Creek Relief Line; force main replacement at the Haikey Creek Life Station; construction and set-up of a city-wide SCADA system for water and sewer; and to establish a debt service reserve.

According to Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, the Authority's customers will save an estimated $ 745,000 in interest charges, over the life of the 23-year loan, compared to traditional financing. The loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority's water, sewer, and sanitation systems, as well as a 1 cent sales tax. Local officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Tom Caldwell, Finance Director, and Roger Hughes, City Engineer.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to the state legislators in Broken Arrow for their support of our financial assistance programs," said J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB.

The community's current treatment system consists of two primary lagoon cells, and two evaporation cell lagoons. The system discharges effluent into Clay Creek. The project will rehabilitate the existing lagoon system, therefore, providing increased water quality benefits for community residents and businesses in and near Cherokee.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Cherokee Development Authority's customers will save an estimated $1,365,000, over the life of the 30-year loan, compared to traditional financing. The CWSRF loan shall be secured by a lien on water, sewer, sanitation, rental revenues as well as a one cent sales tax. Cherokee officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Don Bowman, City Manager, and Roman Stevens, Operations Manager.

The CWSRF program is administered by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Oklahoma utilizes the CWSRF program to provide communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Patrick Anderson and Speaker Jeff Hickman, for their support of our financial assistance programs," said J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB.

The district produces water from a well field north of Mutual and serves its customers through two pump stations, two stand pipes and a distribution system with line sizes ranging from 2-inches to 6-inches in diameter.

The proposed project includes replacement of 10,560 linear feet of existing 2-inch diameter line with new 4-inch line, and the construction of a new 4-inch line to correct inadequate pressure. The project is necessary to correct a portion of the system that has been prone to consistent breaks and a second portion of the water system that has experienced inadequate water pressure.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $179,820 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983, the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senators Bryce Marlatt and Mike Schulz, as well as State Representatives Jeff Hickman and Mike Sanders, for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

Lincoln County Rural Water District No. 1 owns and operates a water supply and distribution system that has 170 water taps. The existing water supply is obtained from the Sparks Reservoir which was constructed in 1969. During the 2011-2012 drought, the water supply levels were greatly impacted. To address future water supply issues and to diversify the District's water supply options, the District proposes construction of three test wells which will serve as the first phase of constructing three production wells at a later date.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the District's customers $178,936 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Jason Smalley and State Representative Kevin Wallace, for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

The Authority will use the FAP loan to refinance its 1995 FAP loan issued in the original amount of $1,675,000.00 for the purpose of clean water and wastewater system improvements. The refinancing of the 1995 loan will benefit the Authority's customers by locking in a fixed rate while interest rates are low, and thereby eliminating the risk of a future interest rate increase.

The 8-year loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority's water, sewer, and garbage systems, as well as the proceeds of a two cent sales tax. Local officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Tamatha Ogilvie, Clerk, and Cheri McNutt, Project Coordinator.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to the State Senator Kim David and State Representative Ben Sherrer for their support of our financial assistance programs," said J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB.

"My biggest concern initially is that the final rule effectively cuts off states as co-regulators and ends warranted debate on myriad practical and scientific concerns we have with the proposed definition of WOTUS. Unfortunately, the absence of productive consultation with State regulators likely means we have a final rule that will be difficult, if not impossible, to implement. If the final rule and its forthcoming implementation don't make the already fuzzy line of Federal jurisdiction more clear, then we can expect an onslaught of litigation and confusion that does nothing to protect our waters."

The Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust will use the loan proceeds to rehabilitate an 8-inch sanitary sewer line, and replace and rehabilitate existing manholes, from NE 30th St. to NE 26th St. between N. Prospect Ave. and Martin Luther King Ave. in Oklahoma City.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, said the 30-year CWSRF loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Trust's water and sewer systems. The project will also include $75,304 in local funding. Oklahoma City officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Bret Weingart, Assistant Utilities Director, Finance Director Billy Little, and Sam Samandi, Engineering Manager.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Legislators from the Oklahoma City metro for their support of our financial assistance programs," said J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB.

The Authority's wastewater system includes a flow through lagoon system, a collection system consisting of 6 and 8-inch lines, and an irrigation system to land apply effluent during the summer months. The original lagoon system was constructed in the late 1970s and was relocated by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1980s to make way for the construction of Copan Lake. The lagoons are in need of improvement and the proposed project consists of rehabbing the affected areas, installing riprap, and other related construction.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $179,982in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator John Ford and State Representative Travis Dunlap for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

The BUMP Lakes and Streams reports feature summaries of physical, chemical, and biological data obtained through sampling at approximately 130 lakes and 100 stream sites throughout the state, and include an assessment of beneficial use impairments or threats for each site. The online version contains summary pages listed by stream site or lake site with links to downloadable data. Agency monitoring staff sample rivers in the network annually and lakes on a three-year rotation.

According to Derek Smithee, OWRB Water Quality Division Chief, BUMP data gathered in 2014 indicate that the major water quality concerns of Oklahoma lakes continues to be excess nutrients and turbidity. Data also indicate that 30% of the lakes sampled in 2014 were "hyper-eutrophic," which means they contain an excessive amount of nutrients that could lead to taste and odor problems. In improving order of quality, about 35% of lakes sampled in 2014 were considered eutrophic, 32% were mesotrophic, and 3% were oligotrophic (waters relatively low in nutrients).

The vast majority of streams sampled within the past two years were suitable for uses related to public and private water supply. However, inorganic turbidity caused by sediments from runoff was the primary detriment to fish and wildlife propagation. Bacteria were the major concern for recreation that involves primary body contact with the water. A small number of sampled streams had problems associated with dissolved solids (chlorides and sulfates), which limits their suitability for irrigation. A number of streams were also identified as having high levels of phosphorus and chlorophyll-a.

The Groundwater Report contains summaries of aquifers sampled through the Groundwater Mapping and Assessment Program (GMAP). The summaries show nutrient, mineral, and metal statistics as well as general parameters, such as depth to water, alkalinity, hardness, and total dissolved solids (TDS). GMAP was established in 2013 as the state's first comprehensive groundwater quality and quantity monitoring program. A network of approximately 750 wells in Oklahoma's 21 major aquifers will be phased in by 2016 and sampled on a four-year rotation.

This year's report contains data from phase two of GMAP sampling, which includes the Vamoosa-Ada, Salt Fork of the Arkansas River, Arkansas River, North Fork of the Red River, Salt Fork of the Red River, Tillman Terrace, and Washita River alluvial and bedrock major aquifers. Summaries for each aquifer in the GMAP network give an overview of the aquifer's geology and focus on water quality constituents that are of primary concern. Groundwater level hydrographs show depth to water over the longest period of record. For the aquifers sampled in 2013-2014, the hydrographs generally indicate declining water levels across the state, which is consistent with below average rainfall, below average recharge, and increased pumping.

Data provided by the BUMP program plays an essential role in the state's water quality management decision-making process by helping to identify waters experiencing impairments as well as the cause of declining water quality. BUMP data is also invaluable to the development and refinement of Oklahoma's Water Quality Standards. Beneficial uses, the backbone of the Water Quality Standards, are assigned to individual lakes, streams, and stream segments based upon the primary benefits derived from those waters by the public.

According to J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director, data collected by the BUMP teams from Oklahoma's lakes, streams, and aquifers are invaluable to the management and protection of the state's water resources. "State leaders are beginning to recognize that water management and water policy decisions will only be effective if they are backed by sound science," says Strong.

For more information on the OWRB's Beneficial Use Monitoring Program, please contact Derek Smithee, Water Quality Division Chief, at 405-530-8800 or visit the OWRB web site at www.owrb.ok.gov.

The authority owns and operates a wastewater system serving 485 customers. The system consists of a collection system and a partially aerated lagoon system. The original sanitary sewer collection system was installed through a bond issue in 1955.

OWRB's REAP grant will be used to help fund the first of two project phases. The project consists of replacing 3,200 linear feet of 8-inch PVC sewer line, and installing a standby generator at one of the system's two lift stations. The project will also be funded in part through $28,527 from a Community Development Block Grant.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $136,287 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Rick Brinkley and State Representatives Seneca Scott and Kevin Sean Roberts for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

Specifically, the three-year study being conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation and study partners will build upon existing planning efforts in the area; update information on groundwater and surface water demands and supplies; assess risks to the long-term reliability of reservoirs during drought periods; and evaluate adaptation strategies that address water supply challenges.

The OWRB's concurrent maximum annual yield studies on major groundwater basins and surface water allocation studies will play an important role in identifying adaptation strategies, while also meeting statutory mandates which require the OWRB to determine the amount of water available for future appropriation of water rights.

The Upper Red River Basin encompasses over 4,000 square miles throughout Oklahoma and Texas, and includes all or part of 9 counties in southwest Oklahoma. The region includes multiple tributaries to the Red River, the largest of which are the North Fork, the Salt Fork, and the Elm Fork of the Red River. The basin also contains two Bureau of Reclamation reservoirs, Tom Steed and Lugert-Altus Reservoirs. These two reservoirs provide 99 percent of the surface water supply in the study area. This includes water service to almost 45,000 people and irrigation water for approximately 48,000 acres of land.

Both Tom Steed and Lugert-Altus Reservoirs are at record lows as a large portion of the study area has been in extreme or exceptional drought since 2011. Additionally, the 2012 Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan Update identified six of the twelve sub-basins within the study area as hot spot basins that have been forecasted to face significant water supply challenges within the next 50 years.

These challenges prompted stakeholders to develop a Southwest Oklahoma Water Supply Action Plan (May 2014) that outlines short-, mid-, and long-term solutions in the area. Using the Southwest Action Plan as a guide, the Upper Red River Basin Study will engage citizens and stakeholders, including the direct beneficiaries of Tom Steed and Lugert-Altus Reservoirs, to evaluate alternatives that help ensure the long-term reliability of these reservoirs, particularly during critical drought periods.

The total estimated study cost is $1,435,500. Reclamation is providing $640,000 (45 percent) and the non-Federal partners (OWRB, Mountain Park Master Conservancy District and Lugert-Altus Irrigation District) are providing $795,500 (55 percent) of the total study cost. The study is expected to be completed in 2018.

For more information regarding the public meeting, please contact Terri Sparks (OWRB) at 405/530-8800 or Collins Balcombe (Bureau of Reclamation) at 512/899-4162.

Altus will use the funding proceeds to construct a new 12-inch water line parallel to an existing 18-inch line in order to use the existing line to bring well water from the Round Timber Ranch well field. The project also includes construction of several other water lines to loop existing dead-end lines back to the system, thereby increasing water distribution capacity.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, said the 30-year DWSRF loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority's water and sewer systems, and other real property. Altus's acting City Manager, Greg Buckley, spoke on behalf of the loan application at the OWRB's monthly meeting.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to Senator Mike Schulz and Representative Charles Ortega for their support of our financial assistance programs," said J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB.

At 9:30 a.m. during the event, Governor Mary Fallin, area legislators, and local officials will attend a check presentation ceremony in the State Capitol's Blue Room for three Oklahoma communities that are receiving Water for 2060 Drought Grants. The grants, awarded to Boise City, Fort Supply, and Shattuck, were announced last week by Governor Fallin and the OWRB. The grants will fund both water infrastructure and technology upgrade projects to save nearly 17 million gallons of water each year.

"This celebration of Oklahoma's diverse water resources is especially appropriate now as we wrestle with myriad impacts resulting from a fifth straight year of drought and we continue implementation of Water for 2060, our major statewide water conservation campaign," says J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director. "Through the check presentation, we also hope to showcase the significant impact that conservation and infrastructure investments can make by saving millions of gallons of water annually in drought-impacted parts of the state."

Arising from the most recent update of the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan in 2012, Water for 2060 is a legislative initiative that establishes a statewide goal of maintaining statewide fresh water use at current levels through 2060 while preserving Oklahoma's population growth and economic development goals. An Advisory Council is currently studying innovative, voluntary solutions and incentives to accomplish this goal including: improved irrigation/farming techniques, water recycling/reuse systems, high efficiency plumbing codes, smart irrigation, education programs to change consumer habits, efficient water pricing, financial assistance incentives, and increased leak detection and prevention. The Council's final report is due to the Governor and State Legislature by the end of 2015.

In addition to the OWRB, and several academic institutions and civic organizations focused on water issues, the following state and federal agencies will also be featured in the State Capitol exhibition on March 11:

• Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission
• Oklahoma Department of Transportation - Waterways
• Oklahoma Conservation Commission
• Oklahoma Department of Mines
• Oklahoma Geological Survey
• Oklahoma Corporation Commission
• Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
• Oklahoma Climatological Survey
• US Bureau of Reclamation
• USGS - Oklahoma Water Science Center

For more information on Oklahoma's Water for 2060 initiative, visit http://www.owrb.ok.gov/2060.

For more information on Water Appreciation Day, call Cole Perryman at 405-530-8800.

The Logan County water district will use the funding proceeds to construct 53,145 linear feet, or just over 10 miles, of water line, as well as to pay other costs related to the issuance of the loan. The district's current water distribution system consists of 370,000 feet, or just over 70 miles, of water lines, as well as one 200 gallon-per-minute booster pump station. The district, established in 1972, serves approximately 2,767 water customers. The district has eight ground water wells, its only source of water, of which seven are active.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, said the DWSRF loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the district's water and sewer systems. Robert Thompson, and official with the Logan County RWD No. 1, attended the OWRB's meeting in support of the loan application.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senators AJ Griffin and Clark Jolley, and State Representative Jason Murphey, for their support of our financial assistance programs," said J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB.

Contact: Joe Freeman
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
(405) 530-8800
Joe.Freeman@owrb.ok.gov

The authority owns and operates a flow-through wastewater treatment lagoon system consisting of two lagoons that cover a total of approximately 5.37 surface acres. The primary lagoon covers of 2.87 surface acres, and secondary lagoons covers 2.5 surface acres. Both lagoons were originally constructed in a ravine that has been dammed up to form the two flow-through lagoons. However, to meet current state and federal requirements, the facility must be upgraded. The proposed project consists of the construction of a new four-cell flow through wastewater lagoon system, as well as all necessary related construction.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $270,000 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. The project is also being funded through a $1,460,575 United States Department of Agriculture loan.

Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Darcy Jech and State Representative Harold Wright for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

Contact: Joe Freeman
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
(405) 530-8800
Joe.Freeman@owrb.ok.gov

We take pride in the open and constructive rule-making process we've had thus far. The decision to take more time on this proposal, and to incorporate suggestions offered by the public we serve, demonstrates that the rule-making process is working just as it should.

The Canadian Public Works Authority owns and operates an extended aeration wastewater treatment plant located on the southwest side of the community. The wastewater collection system is comprised of mostly clay tile and some PVC pipe. Unfortunately, the system is under a Consent Order for inflow and infiltration issues in the collection system.

The grant will allow for the replacement of 1,300 linear feet of 8-inch PVC sewer lines, removal and replacement of three manholes, reconnection of approximately ten service connections, surface repair, and other related construction.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $179,998 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Larry Boggs and State Representatives Donnie Condit and Brian Renegar for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

Contact: Joe Freeman
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
(405) 530-8800
joe.freeman@owrb.ok.gov

The community will utilize the loan proceeds to expand the community's existing sanitary sewer system within the city limits. The system expansion includes the installation of approximately 5 miles of 8-inch PVC sewer line, approximately 1.4 miles of 10-inch PVC line, and 177 sewer system manholes, as well as the removal of three lift stations. The project will also include additional improvements such as asphalt paving and repair, traffic control, and erosion control. After project completion, the Authority will continue to convey their wastewater to the Choctaw treatment plant.

The Nicoma Park Development Authority, created February 11, 1986, currently serves 494 sewer customers and anticipates adding another 485 customers upon completion of the expansion project. Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Nicoma Park Development Authority's customers will save an estimated $1,878,000, over the life of the 30-year loan, compared to traditional financing. The CWSRF loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority's water and sewer systems, and the proceeds of a one cent sales tax.

Nicoma Park officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Mark Cochell, Vice Mayor, and Beverly McManus, City Clerk.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senators Anastasia Pittman and Ron Sharp, and State Representatives Gary Banz and Mike Shelton, for their support of our financial assistance programs," said J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB.

Contact: Joe Freeman
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
(405) 530-8800
joe.freeman@owrb.ok.gov

The Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust operates three existing water treatment plants; Hefner Water Treatment Plant, Draper Water Treatment Plant, and Overholser Water Treatment Plant. The funding proceeds will be used to construct a chemical storage and feed facility at the Hefner Water Treatment Plant, to construct a sludge handling system at the Draper Water Treatment Plant, and to pay other costs related to loan issuance. The water system improvements will greatly improve the capacity to continue providing clean, quality drinking water to the Oklahoma City region.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, said the DWSRF loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Trust's water and sewer systems. Oklahoma City officials attending the OWRB's monthly meeting in support of the loan application included General Manager Marsha Slaughter, Finance Director Billy Little, and Revenue Auditor Vanessa Aguilar.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Legislators from Central Oklahoma for their support of our financial assistance programs," said J.D. Strong, executive director of the OWRB.

Contact: Joe Freeman
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
(405) 530-8800
joe.freeman@owrb.ok.gov

The Verden Public Works Authority owns and operates a water system that serves a population of 530. The proposed project consists of installation of 2,200 linear feet of 6-inch PVC water line to replace portions of the water system's existing 4-inch PVC pipes. The 4-inch waterline will be plugged and abandoned while the new 6-inch line will be placed in a new location and connected to the existing water system.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority's customers $179,998 in principal and interest charges, by not having to borrow the project funds. Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

"We are grateful to State Senator Ron Justice and State Representative David Perryman for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma," said J.D. Strong, OWRB Executive Director.

Contact: Joe Freeman
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
(405) 530-8800
joe.freeman@owrb.ok.gov

Preston comes to the OWRB from Congressman Markwayne Mullin's office where she served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director.

Prior to her work with Congressman Mullin, Preston served as Legislative Assistant for former Congressman James Lankford and Legislative Director for former Oklahoma State Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee.

Originally from Weatherford, Oklahoma, Preston is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and Northwestern University where she earned her undergraduate degree in 2007 and master's degree in 2012, respectively.

The OWRB will host the public forum on January 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Tahlequah Armory Municipal Center located at 100 North Water Street. The purpose of the forum is to provide information on the instream flow pilot study and to gather input from stakeholders.

A nineteen-member Instream Flow (ISF) Advisory Group helped formulate a priority recommendation in the 2012 Update of the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan (OCWP), which included conducting an ISF pilot study in a scenic river. According to the OCWP, the concept of "instream flow" has evolved some over the years but generally describes the amount of water in a stream or river necessary to ensure downstream environmental, social and economic benefits are met.

The study, made possible through a partnership between the OWRB and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa District, will evaluate whether and how an ISF program might be implemented in Oklahoma and will be designed to gain a better understanding of how to balance the needs of multiple users. A technical workgroup of scientists and experts will collect data and develop a detailed technical study work plan for future phases of the pilot study.

During the public forum in Tahlequah, the technical team will provide an overview of the planned study objectives with time for discussion and questions. Following the study overview, the team will solicit feedback on how stakeholders use water, their priorities, and other issues related to how potential future ISF guidelines might protect the basin's important stream-related uses — i.e., boating, fishing, wildlife, riparian habitat, water quality, aesthetics, and general ecological health.

The technical team is also gathering information to characterize and understand the extent of consumptive uses of water in the Illinois River watershed, such as irrigation, industrial, municipal and domestic supply. However, this study is not being conducted with any proposed water development project in mind, nor does it include the operations of Tenkiller Reservoir or its dam.

As the pilot study progresses, the OWRB and technical workgroup will host future stakeholder forums and provide updates. The pilot study is expected be complete by December 2015.

For more information about the Illinois River pilot study, or the Instream Flow Advisory Group, please visit the Instream Flow Advisory Group web page, or contact Derek Smithee at 405-530-8800.