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Bill

SB 914

Water and water rights; creating the Oklahoma Regional Water District Act; requiring development and coordination of certain districts for promulgation of regional water plans. Effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brent Howard and 1 co-sponsor

Creates Oklahoma Regional Water District Act requiring coordinated regional water planning and management across multiple jurisdictions statewide.

Coauthored by Representative Newton (principal House author)
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Bill Summary · SB 914

Legislative bill overview

SB 914 establishes the Oklahoma Regional Water District Act, creating a framework for organizing regional water districts that must develop and coordinate comprehensive regional water plans. The bill enables these districts to work together on water resource management and planning across multiple jurisdictions in Oklahoma.

Why is this important

Water management is critical for Oklahoma's agricultural, industrial, and municipal needs, particularly given climate variability and competing demands. Regional coordination can help prevent conflicts between water users, optimize resource allocation, and ensure long-term water security across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Authority and autonomy: Questions about how much power regional districts have versus state oversight, and whether local water users lose control of their own water resources
  • Cost allocation: Unclear how expenses for district operations and water planning are distributed among participating municipalities, agricultural interests, and industries
  • Existing rights protection: Concerns about whether established water rights and senior water claims are adequately protected under the new regional coordination system

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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