Published: May 27, 2009 12:01 pm      

Protecting Oklahoma’s water is a high priority

Water and who owns it is a longstanding legal battle in these United States. Nothing is of more vital import when it comes to ensuring survival of communities.

Our own area is hardly exempt. In fact, is was due to our neighbors to the north in Canadian County casting a longing eye on the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer that Senate Bill 288 was passed to provide a moratorium on mining its resources until a study could be performed saying what its drilling limits are. The Arbuckle-Simpson, via Byrds Mill Spring, is our area’s source of water, and it matters a great deal to our residents regarding who gets to tap into it and how much they get to take.

Since the furor was raised over Canadian County residents’ plan to construct an 80-mile pipeline down to the aquifer, the study has been completed and new limits and permitting arrangements are on the horizon, presumably to keep it from being depleted now or later. 

But that doesn’t answer the question of what it would mean for another state (think Texas) from trying to extend its greedy and parched reach into Oklahoma. To this end, State Rep. Dale DeWitt has authored legislation that he says will protect Oklahoma’s water rights. In HB 1483 DeWitt, R-Braman, attempts to ensure no out-of-state water permit will be allowed to restrict the State of Oklahoma from meeting its obligations under interstate compacts with other states.

In a press release, Rep. DeWitt said, “This bill ensures we protect Oklahoma’s water supply and that our future need for water take precedence over out of state water sales.”

The release goes on to say the Oklahoma Water Resources Board would be required to consider any water shortages or needs across the state when considering applications for water sales to out-of-state entities.

It only makes sense to protect our natural resource. This bill appears to be a step in that direction.

— Loné Beasley