Bureau of Reclamation
Great Plains Region
Oklahoma - Texas Area Activity Update

157th Committee Meeting
Oct. 30-November 1, 2007
Branson, Missouri

Introduction

The Oklahoma-Texas Area Office (OTAO) of the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is responsible for administering eleven reservoir projects and associated water distribution systems in southern Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.  Reclamation works in conjunction with other Federal, state, Indian tribes, and local entities in performing these responsibilities.  Significant areas of activity include providing oversight of operations and maintenance of existing facilities and water resources planning assistance.

The purpose of this Activity Report is to provide a selected summary of current and recent activities of the Area Office.

Ongoing and Recently Completed Activities

PLANNING PROGRAM

General Investigations

Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer (OK), Water Resources Management Study

Status   Ongoing

Description

The Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer has been designated a sole source aquifer by EPA.  The health and economic future of a large number of Oklahoma residents is dependent on protecting the quantity and quality of water in the aquifer.  The Arbuckle-Simpson is an important source of water supply for the citizens of Ada, Sulphur, Mill Creek and Roff; the Chickasaw National Recreational Area; and many farmers and ranchers owning land overlying the aquifer.  Contributions from the aquifer also provide the perennial flow for many streams and natural springs in the area.

During recent years, a number of issues have emerged which have caused concern about the utilization and continued health of the aquifer.  These issues include concern over water use, competition for water, pumping water to areas beyond the recharge zones for the aquifer, and water quality.  In order to assure the future well-being of the aquifer, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board entered into a cost-sharing agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation to undertake a 5-year study of the hydrology within the aquifer to include detailed assessments of the formation hydrogeology, water quality and vulnerability, as well as groundwater-surface water interactions.  The results of this study will provide information that is intended for use in the development of best management practices which will protect the integrity of the aquifer, change land use and diminish related impacts, and assist in Tribal and State water rights issues.  The study is scheduled to be completed in 2008.

Fort Cobb Reservoir (OK), Alternatives for Conveyance System Expansion

Status   Ongoing

Description  

Fort Cobb Reservoir serves the municipal and industrial water supply needs of several communities in west-central Oklahoma.  The Fort Cobb Master Conservancy District has begun to experience periods of difficulty in delivering sufficient water through the Anadarko Aqueduct to meet the peak demands of the service population.  The total demand has not yet exceeded the amount contracted to the member cities and other water user entities, the actual total deliveries requested during the summer months are approaching the physical limitations of the existing aqueduct.  The Appraisal Report developed and evaluated sixteen alternatives as to the estimated construction and operation costs.  The most economically alternative appeared to be the construction of a new pipeline from Fort Cobb Reservoir to supplement the existing Anadarko and Chickasha Aqueducts.  However the Appraisal Report concluded that modification to the conveyance system would be premature without viable options to supplement the existing water supply.

Lake Thunderbird (OK), Water Supply Augmentation and Enhancement

Status   Completed August 2005

Description

Lake Thunderbird, located on the Little River in central Oklahoma, was constructed as part of the Norman Project during the mid 1960's for municipal and industrial (M&I) water supply, flood control, recreation, and fish & wildlife purposes.  The Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District (District), which provides M&I water to Norman, Midwest City, and Del City holds the project water rights.  The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), the District, the cities, and Reclamation have been working together to evaluate alternatives to augment the water supplies of the district, the member cities, and other potential water customers within the district’s service area.

Walnut and Lower Arkansas River Basins (KS), Water Supply Special Study

Status   Ongoing

Description

The purpose of this Special Study is to assist the State of Kansas and the South Central Kansas Water Coalition counties to address public water supply problems and opportunities in a comprehensive manner.  The Walnut and Lower Arkansas River Basins of Kansas have experienced growth at an increasingly high rate over the last few years, resulting in increasing demands being placed on existing water supplies.  While surface and groundwater supplies are available to meet current and future (2050) demands in the area, they are generally of poor quality, or are not located in the immediate area of demand.  The primary objective of this study is to formulate alternative plans to meet the future municipal and industrial demands within the study area by investigating various supply sources and associated water treatment and distribution alternatives.

Native American Technical Assistance

Chickasaw Nation (OK), Study of Water Treatment Alternatives

Status   Ongoing

Description

The Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma has asked Reclamation to provide an appraisal-level evaluation of alternatives to treat and/or blend brackish surface water in Lake Texoma to meet regional needs in the southern portion of the Chickasaw Nation.  The water quality of Lake Texoma varies by location, depth, and season, usually ranging from 500 (Washita River Arm) to 1,700 (Red River Arm) ppm of TDS.  The Tribe is interested in developing additional water supplies to meet anticipated future demands in this area.  Current water needs are met by the local groundwater aquifer, but this resource may not be adequate, or cost-effective, in meeting projected future water needs.  The study is expected to be concluded late in 2007.

Delaware Nation (OK), Demands and Water Treatment Proposals

Status   Ongoing

Description

The Delaware Nation of Oklahoma requested Reclamation assistance with forecasting current and future water demands and Water treatment options associated with two parcels of Tribal land near Anadarko and Hinton, Oklahoma.

BUREAU-WIDE PROGRAMS

Water 2025 Challenge Grant Program

Through the Water 2025 Challenge Grant Program, Reclamation provides 50/50 cost-share funding to irrigation and water districts and states for projects focused on water conservation, efficiency, and water marketing.  Projects are selected through a competitive process, based on their ability to meet the goals identified in Water 2025: Preventing Crises and Conflict in the West.  The focus is on projects that can be completed within 24 months that will help to prevent crises over water.  More information about the Water 2025 initiative may be found on-line at http://www.doi.gov/water2025.

Recipients of ongoing Water 2025 projects within OTAO include:

• Harlingen Irrigation District (TX)
• City of McAllen (TX)
• Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 (TX)
• Brownsville Irrigation District No. 2 (TX)
• Lugert-Altus Irrigation District (OK)
• Texas Water Development Board (TX)

Contacts

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