Water Conservation Amid Drought Conditions

Communities in western Oklahoma are pushing forward with water conservation projects they hope will help protect scarce water supplies amid a deepening drought.

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board announced last week it had approved just over $1 million in grants to help upgrade water infrastructures in Shattuck, Fort Supply and Boise City. The board is also expected to consider a $467,300 grant to Frontier Development Authority in Butler at its meeting on Wednesday.

Sam Hamilton, town administrator in Shattuck, says the town’s cast-iron water pipes have deteriorated over the years, leading to leaks and bursting pipes. Hamilton says those leaks lead to water loss, which means residents often see weak water pressure, especially during the summer months when water usage is at its highest point.

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board announced last week it had approved just over $1 million in grants to help upgrade water infrastructures in Shattuck, Fort Supply and Boise City. The board is also expected to consider a $467,300 grant to Frontier Development Authority in Butler at its meeting on Wednesday.

Sam Hamilton, town administrator in Shattuck, says the town’s cast-iron water pipes have deteriorated over the years, leading to leaks and bursting pipes. Hamilton says those leaks lead to water loss, which means residents often see weak water pressure, especially during the summer months when water usage is at its highest point.