Concerned Citizens Rally to Protect Southeastern Oklahoma’s Water for Future Generations
Attorney General Concurs: Studies Needed Before Water Transfer Occurs
DURANT, Oklahoma (May 6, 2010) – Nearly 900 people turned out today to protest the state’s “under the radar” plan to sell water from Sardis Lake to Oklahoma City. The rally kicked off the formation of Oklahomans for Responsible Water Policy (ORWP), a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting Southeastern Oklahoma’s water and environment for future generations. Attorney General Drew Edmondson supported the group’s goal.
“As we all know, water is a vital resource – key to any future sustainable development,” said Amy Ford, a local business owner and executive director of ORWP. “We must protect our water from outside interests who see this area not as a place to live, but a place to exploit. Local control is key!”
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board is planning to transfer nearly all the useful storage rights in Sardis Lake to Oklahoma City, despite the lack of scientific studies to determine the transfer’s impact on Southeastern Oklahoma’s environment, recreational opportunities, long-term water needs and its future economy.
ORWP President Charlette Hearne said that no action should be taken to move any water until comprehensive studies are completed, vetted by the public and verified. “Cool, clear water. It is the blue gold of our future,” she said. “We are here to demand that the OWRB not put the cart before the horse. We need scientific studies. We should demand it. The law requires it.”
Attorney General Edmondson, who is in his fourth term, agreed that studies are necessary.
“I didn’t see it, but I have read about parts of Oklahoma drying up and blowing away,” he said. “In the wake of that disaster, which was called the Dust Bowl, we built reservoirs. We have more miles of man-made lake shores than any other state in the nation. We have a responsibility to make sure it is protected. We must determine our future needs. It seems to me it would be imprudent to make any decisions about the transfer of water until studies are complete. Before we talk about transferring water we need to make sure the basins of origin are protected for at least the next half-century.”
Anyone who shares concern for the future of Oklahoma’s water can join ORWP via the group’s website, www.ORWP.net, or by returning postage-paid cards that are being mailed this week to residents. There is no cost to join, but donations are welcome.
About Oklahomans for Responsible Water Policy: ORWP’s core mission is to preserve and protect the economy, agriculture, environment, habitat and local beneficial uses of the pristine waters in Southeastern Oklahoma. ORWP intends to promote awareness of the value of water as a precious resource ensuring that these waters continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.