Committee advances water bills: loans, aquifer spacing and five-year averaging with metering deadlines

Representative Newton told the committee that a set of bills is designed to address water infrastructure and groundwater management across Oklahoma.

SB 1346 would create a low-interest competitive loan program under the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to fund water, sewer and irrigation projects for municipalities, conservation districts and special districts. Newton said funding is available in the OWRB budget and the program is modeled on previous infrastructure bills.

On well spacing (SB 1509), Newton said spacing can differ by aquifer depending on hydrogeology and that hearings will still address maximum yield even if spacing rules are set administratively; he emphasized exceptions where a landowner's only feasible drilling location requires relief.

SB 259 outlines a five-year averaging system for permitted water users. Newton said participants would need a meter by 2027 and could use up to 150% of their allotment in a single year, provided their five-year average equals 100% of the permit. Nonparticipants would have eight years to install an OWRB-approved measuring device. Newton described device cost ranges (he cited figures from roughly $400 to $4,000, depending on sophistication).

Members asked whether current permit amounts and yield studies exist for all aquifers; Newton said maximum-yield studies are incomplete for many aquifers and that the bill seeks to give OWRB flexibility where studies are lacking. Members also asked how exceptions for property lines and domestic wells would be handled; Newton said the bill preserves board discretion and existing exceptions.

The committee reported the water bills do pass; the measures will require OWRB rulemaking to define approved meters, compliance processes and any enforcement steps.