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The Arbuckle-Simpson Hydrology Study
Now entering its last year, researchers have made considerable progress in obtaining information necessary to understand the aquifer's hydrologic system and assess consequences of groundwater withdrawals on the environment and water users.
Accomplishments for the fourth year of the study include developing a river-basin network model to assess the impact of groundwater withdrawals on downstream surface water rights and initiating an instream flow assessment was to quantify fish habitat in spring runs of the Blue River and Pennington Creek.
In 2007, modeling efforts focused on the aquifer's geologic framework, stream runoff, and groundwater flow. In addition, several geophysical techniques were used to characterize the subsurface geology and evaluate groundwater flow through the highly-faulted and structurally complex aquifer. The Arbuckle-Simpson Hydrology Study remains on schedule to be completed by the end of 2008. The last year of the investigation will be devoted to writing reports, conducting computer simulations, evaluating various water-management options, disseminating information, and soliciting input from stakeholders. BackgroundThe OWRB has initiated a comprehensive multi-year study of south central Oklahoma's Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer. The aquifer supplies flow to many area rivers and streams-including Byrd's Mill Spring and the Blue River, the drinking water source for the City of Ada-but more information is required to properly manage and protect the region's water resources. The investigation is the most intensive analysis of surface and groundwater relationships ever conducted in Oklahoma. Study results will provide state and local decisionmakers with the necessary information to determine how water resources in the region should best be utilized while protecting area springs and streams, especially in light of a recent proposal to transfer as much as 80,000 acre-feet per year of that water to central Oklahoma. (Several cities and towns in Canadian County have exhibited interest in construction of an 88-mile pipeline to provide future water supply to those communities.) Of particular concern are springs and seeps associated with the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Congress has appropriated funds, cost-shared between the OWRB and federal Bureau of Reclamation, to conduct the study. Arbuckle-Simpson Hydrology Study Newsletter, March 2007 [pdf]
Past IssuesJanuary 2006 [pdf] June 2005 [pdf] December 2004 [pdf] July 2004 [pdf] January 2004 [pdf] Study ObjectivesSpecific objectives of the Arbuckle-Simpson study--as outlined in the OWRB/Bureau of Reclamation cooperative agreement, signed in August 2003--are to:
Arbuckle-Simpson Study Technical Peer Review TeamThe Arbuckle-Simpson study will be coordinated by the OWRB, involving participation from dozens of agencies and organizations, as well as private citizens. A technical peer review team consisting of experts from the U.S. Geological Survey, Oklahoma Geological Survey, Oklahoma State University, and EPA will review the scope of work and provide advice to ensure the use of sound science and appropriate methods. The OWRB will facilitate the technical peer review team and coordinate the study. The team consists of the following members/organizations (names are linked to individual biographies):
Reports & Updates
Senate Bill 288Senate Bill 288, passed by the State Legislature in May 2003, imposes a moratorium on the issuance of any temporary groundwater permit for municipal or public water supply use outside of any county that overlays, in whole or in part, a “sensitive sole source groundwater basin.” (The Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer is the only such groundwater basin in Oklahoma.) The moratorium prohibits municipal and political subdivisions outside the basin from entering into contracts for use of the water and it applies to both pending applications and any revalidation of existing temporary permits. The moratorium will remain in effect until the OWRB completes its study of the Arbuckle-Simpson and approves a maximum annual yield that will not reduce the natural flow of water from springs or streams emanating from the aquifer. Prior to approval of permits for groundwater use within the basin, SB 288 also requires the Water Board to find that the proposed use is not likely to degrade or interfere with springs or streams emanating from the aquifer. Data & Maps
Monitoring
Additional Web Sites of Interest
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Page last updated: May 01, 2008 |
