Lawmakers Explore Solutions to Oklahoma’s Water Infrastructure Challenges

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senators Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, and Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, on Monday held an interim study to discuss solutions to water infrastructure and water quality challenges plaguing rural communities across the state.

Coleman and Hamilton invited constituents and state and local water experts to the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee to describe statewide water problems that have led to increased boil orders and concerns about the safety of local water supplies.

Senator Coleman requested the study to discuss prolonged water quality issues in Osage County Rural Water District 21 that have led to extended boil orders for residents. Osage County Rural Water District 21 Principal Engineer Matthew Coe testified that the district, which serves about 450 customers in the Pawhuska and Newkirk areas, has faced serious problems since replacing its water treatment plant because it failed to properly account for high levels of iron and manganese in the water.

Coe said the district has developed a multi‑phased plan to meet drinking water standards through a new partnership with the Osage Nation and the city of Pawhuska, but the initiative could cost more than $20 million.

“Getting to the root of the problem is the only way to find a local solution that can be replicated elsewhere to make sure no other Oklahoma community goes through this again,” Coleman said. “Osage County isn’t alone. Aging water infrastructure has become a costly problem for rural communities across the state, with rural water districts facing their own unique challenges. I’m committed to working with my Senate colleagues to find long-term infrastructure solutions that ensure all Oklahomans have clean drinking water.”

Oklahoma Water Resources Board officials said statewide water infrastructure needs exceed $24 billion.

Oklahoma has 1,265 public water supply systems, the majority of which serve 3,300 or fewer residents. Of those systems, only 43% report that their rates are sufficient to cover their infrastructure costs. Meanwhile, a growing number of water lines have exceeded their useful life, leading to greater water loss.

Senator Hamilton said he’s committed to making sure that fixing rural water infrastructure remains a top legislative priority.

"Rural water infrastructure affects everything, from quality of life and public safety to our ability to attract new businesses and grow communities," Hamilton said. "If we’re serious about bringing new people and additional jobs to Oklahoma, we have to start with clean water. Taxpayer dollars should go toward what truly matters, and nothing is more important than ensuring that all Oklahomans have high-quality drinking water at home and at work. The Legislature has supported plenty of programs to incentivize economic development, but water infrastructure must come first. We need cost-effective solutions to fix our aging systems before we do anything else."

Senator Hamilton also thanked Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, for participating in the study.

“I look forward to working with Representative Turner in the next legislative session to address the water infrastructure needs of our rural communities,” Hamilton stated.

Representative Turner stressed the importance of addressing rural water challenges.

“This interim study brought to light many of the challenges facing Oklahoma’s water infrastructure," Turner said. "If we want our communities to grow and remain sustainable, we must continue investing in reliable water systems. I appreciate Senators Coleman and Hamilton for allowing me to be part of this important study.”

Presenters included Department of Environmental Quality Drinking Water Administrator Mark Stasyszen; Oklahoma Rural Water Association COO Brandon Bowman; Vivian Moody of the Pittsburg County Water Management Company; Haskell County Water Company Chair Curtis McGuire; Communities United Oklahoma State Coordinator Lucas Guinn and Oklahoma Water Resources Board Executive Director Julie Cunningham and Chief of the Financial Assistance Division Lori Johnson.