slides from OML water summit

Governor takes a stand on water

http://m.newsok.com/oklahoma-gov.-mary-fallin-being-proactive-on-two-tough-issues/article/3645889

Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations launch an internet channel on water issues

By now, most of you have seen the television ads by the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations regarding water resources.  The Nations have now launched a multi-media website making full use of the Nations' marketing resources.  The site can be found here: WaterFuture.tv.  Here is how the site's administrators describe the site:

The Water Network is a high-definition, video-rich channel focused on the life-giving resource of water and its allocation and conservation in Oklahoma.

The Choctaw & Chickasaw Nations are sovereign, effective nations living within the borders of Oklahoma. As such, they have a deep economic and spiritual interest in the state's lands and resources. With a growing library of videos, the Water Network's vital information is accessible to Choctaws & Chickasaws here in Oklahoma and around the world. 

The Water Network is not only for Choctaws & Chickasaws; it's for all Oklahomans who love the state and want to preserve her natural resources. This deep well of water information, fair news and pristine footage is constantly updated - offering new developments all sides of the issue in a transparent, inclusive way.

With cities growing and natural resources ebbing away, water will become the most valuable asset in the state. A most vital, most life-giving element, water must be used responsibly. Use the Water Network to find information - in a vibrant, engaging format - that informs decisions for Oklahoma's water future.

The Water Network utilizes a proprietary technology owned and operated by Videodigm. Videodigm is an online delivery system that creates and provides real-time news and rich interactive video content focused on a specific area of interest.

Newsok article on lessons from Oregon

Here is the article: http://newsok.com/oregon-water-dispute-similar-to-one-brewing-in-oklahoma/article/3635205?custom_click=rss

Hat tip to OWRRI, which posted this article to its FB page.

NewsOk: Oklahoma Water Resources Board OKs possible lawsuits

[J.D.] Strong said the focus of the potential lawsuits will be to adjudicate rights to water from the Kiamichi River, Muddy Boggy stream and Clear Boggy stream systems.

Strong said stream adjudication is “a commonly accepted process administered by the court. It's like you're subjecting this administration of water rights to the court to decide who has rights to what.”

Oklahoma Water Resources Board OKs possible lawsuits | NewsOK.com

Not a recommended process for your treatment plant

http://cbsboston.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/groton-town-worker-accused-of-using-water-plant-to-make-moonshine/

Texas town will run out of water; gets emergency approval to run line through state park to rock quarry

http://www.google.com/gwt/x?noimg=1&u=http%3a%2f%2fhouston.cbslocal.com%2f2011%2f11%2f24%2fgroesbeck-mayor-town-will-run-out-of-water-in-two-weeks%2f

Happy Thanksgiving from OklahomaWaterLaw.com

Oklahoma-based Choctaw and Chickasaw nations amend water rights lawsuit against state, OKC | The Republic

Oklahoma-based Choctaw and Chickasaw nations amend water rights lawsuit against state, OKC | The Republic

NewsOK: Oklahoma's water plan draws criticism

From the article:

Rep. Brian Renegar, a committee member, said his biggest fear is that legislators will take information from the water plan and use it for political motivation to serve a small sector instead of acting on what will be good for all Oklahomans.

http://newsok.com/oklahomas-water-plan-draws-criticism/article/3619401?custom_click=pod_lead_politics

AP: Tribal nation water fight might be fast-tracked

From NewsOK, as reported by AP:  Judge wants quick, thrifty solution to tribal water rights case.  U.S. District Judge Lee West asked attorneys and leaders to submit a list of mediators who might help resolve a tribal water rights lawsuit filed by the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations.  Read more: http://newsok.com/judge-wants-quick-thrifty-solution-to-tribal-water-rights-case/article/3619687#ixzz1cqIvvq9Y

Star Telegram: Roanoke, Texas company to recycle wastewater generated by fracking wells

The Fort Worth Star Telegram has an excellent feature article on a North Texas company that plans to recycle wastewater generated by natural gas and oil wells.

http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/10/30/3486393/north-texas-company-building-recycling.html

NewsOk's Outdoors Blog: What will happen to the Lower Illinois?

Linked below is a blog article by Ed Godfrey, Outdoors Editor at the Daily Oklahoman, on the issues faced by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation regarding the Lower Illinois River.

Oklahoma is in danger of losing one of its two year-round trout fisheries. A town hall meeting has been scheduled Thursday night [10/27/2011] in Sallisaw by local elected officials to discuss the problem.  The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Indian Capital Technology Center. Fisheries personnel from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are slated to make a short presentation of the issues and possible solutions.

What will happen to the Lower Illinois? | Outdoors

McAlester News Capital: Audit finds deficiencies at City of Haileyville

From the McAlester News Capital: An audit of the City of Haileyville's books has revealed significant deficiencies.  These deficiencies include accounting records of the Haileyville Public Works Authority.  Among other things, the audit found infrequent deposits and significant accounts receivable, including large accounts owed by some current and former city officials.  The city's auditor recommended an audit by the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector.  The city's mayor stated that the Haileyville police are investigating.

Read more here: http://mcalesternews.com/local/x553405633/City-of-Haileyville-Audit-Finds-Significant-Deficiencies

Excellent and timely article on water reuse in Oklahoma

Andrew Knittle of the Daily Oklahoman has an excellent article on water reuse, entitled "Cities looking to increase water reuse." Use of "gray water" is on the rise on the West Coast, but slow to take on in other areas. In the water industry, it is common to hear it said that you can use the effluent from your upstream neighbors, but you can't use your own effluent. Once effluent is treated, though, if treated right, it is as safe as water taken from streams and other surface bodies. And until treatment of effluent is more widely accepted, "gray water" can be used for nonpotable purposes, such as irrigation, as noted in Knittle's article.  The obstacles to extensive use of "gray water" are the same -- the cost of infrastructure, and the environmental regulations that otherwise prohibit reuse of effluent.  Over time, though, the regulations will soften and the cost of infrastructure will be more in line with the cost of treating and distributing naturally occurring surface water.  That is why the West Coast is ahead of the curve on this issue.

http://newsok.com/cities-looking-to-increase-water-reuse/article/3615793?custom_click=lead_story_title