Bill > SB914

This bill creates the Oklahoma Regional Water District Act, which directs the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to designate geographic areas as regional water districts by July 1, 2026. These districts will be responsible for developing comprehensive regional water plans that address water resource management, conservation, and drought preparedness. The bill requires the Board to consider factors like river basins, water utility patterns, and local characteristics when establishing district boundaries. Each regional water district must create a plan that provides strategies for water management during different flow conditions, considers existing water planning efforts, explores water management strategies, and protects existing water rights. The districts must include representatives from various stakeholder groups such as counties, municipalities, industries, agricultural interests, and environmental organizations. The bill also amends existing statutes to incorporate these regional water districts into the state's comprehensive water planning process, ensuring that future updates to the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan will account for the regional water districts' input. The new framework aims to ensure sufficient water availability, support economic development, and protect public health and natural resources. The act will become effective on November 1, 2025, giving the state time to establish the regional water districts and develop their initial planning processes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb914&Session=2600