Bill > SB1509

This bill modifies existing Oklahoma law regarding the spacing of wells that draw groundwater, specifically amending Section 1020.17 of Title 82 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board, the state agency responsible for managing water resources, will now have the authority to adopt specific well spacing rules for each groundwater basin or subbasin as part of establishing a maximum annual yield, which is the maximum amount of water that can be withdrawn from a basin or subbasin annually without depleting it. Previously, the law required the Board to hold at least one public hearing in or near each major basin or subbasin before adopting well spacing rules for that area, but this bill removes that requirement, streamlining the process for adopting these spacing regulations. The bill also includes a provision that makes these changes effective on November 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1509&Session=2600