Oklahoma City to join other communities in purchase of water rights

(November 20, 2007) - At its meeting today, the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust adopted a Resolution of Intent to join forces with nine other communities to evaluate options for purchasing water storage rights and raw water from southeastern Oklahoma. The other communities are Chickasha, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Mustang, Norman, Seminole and Shawnee.

The Resolution of Intent also suggests the formation of a new water supply trust – the Oklahoma Regional Water Utilities Trust – that will bring water to Oklahoma communities from Sardis Lake in southeastern Oklahoma and finance and administer its resources and facilities.  Trustees will be representatives of the participating communities that will acquire water storage rights in Sardis Lake.

“A dependable and good water supply is vital to life and to economic prosperity,” said Jim Couch, city manager for Oklahoma City.  “The drought of 2005 and 2006 demonstrated the value of long-range water supply planning and the value of collaborating and sharing with our neighbors.”

Many of the participating communities already share water supplies.  For example, the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District supplies water to Norman, Midwest City and Del City.  Oklahoma City also wholesales treated water to 10 communities and water districts.  Also, through a long-standing collaborative relationship with the McGee Creek Authority, McGee Creek Lake serves as a water source when other reservoirs are low.

 “By collaborating our water-supply efforts, we can ensure an ample, dependable supply of water, which is essential for the continued economic betterment of our communities,” Couch said.

The State of Oklahoma has determined that sufficient water sources are available in southeastern Oklahoma that could meet Oklahoman’s long-term water needs.  For example, Sardis Lake water is currently available for appropriation by the state to meet current and future water supply needs of the communities participating in the Oklahoma Regional Water Utilities Trust.  After receipt of the water rights and water storage rights in Sardis Lake, the participating communities will study and design water facilities to capture and deliver raw water from southeastern Oklahoma.  The trust will cooperatively finance the construction, maintenance and operation of the water storage and transmission facilities through contribution of its members.