Oklahoma’s battle over water continues to rage, reports StateImpact Oklahoma. In fact, water rights have dominated the recent legislative study discussion of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
At issue: Southeastern Oklahoma has recently faced a problem of too much water, while the rest of the state is experiencing a drought. But lawmakers in the southeast say that the extra water is important to their recreational economy, which relies on boating, fishing and swimming. Said one lawmaker: “A strong and vibrant recreational community down in southeast Oklahoma requires that water to be there. We are using it.”
Other legislators have suggested that the water be piped west to ease drought conditions. Some lawmakers have even suggested selling the excess water to other states, the way Oklahoma exports oil. Another problem with this proposal is the great cost of water infrastructure.
