State Kicks Off New Water Planning Process

Monday, November 13th 2006, 7:15 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Growing demands for water and shrinking supplies are the focus of a 4-and-a-half-year planning process authorities kicked off Monday at a water conference.

Some planners at the conference question how they will balance the public's water needs with private ownership and tribal sovereignty issues.

The $13-million water planning process will include suggestions from residents and interest groups across Oklahoma, from farmers and ranchers to industries, governments, environmentalists and recreational enthusiasts, to develop a 50-year plan for providing high-quality water to all areas of the state.

The two-day conference began as a prolonged drought that has parched the landscape and dramatically lowered the level of lakes and other public water sources showed no signs of letting up.