Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District (District) received approval for a $755,000 loan Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to conduct an emerging contaminant assessment. This process will be financed by a 100% principal forgiveness loan through the Oklahoma Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) along with $40,000 in local funds.

The District will utilize the proceeds to conduct a sampling program for contaminants of emerging concern within the watershed of Lake Thunderbird and the lake itself. Lake Thunderbird supplies water to the cities of Del City, Midwest City, and Norman and is situated nearby to Tinker Air Force Base. In 2017, the District contracted with the University of Oklahoma's Oklahoma Geological Survey to provide data and research for the purpose of gaining consumer confidence and municipal partner support regarding water reuse issues. Findings indicated the need for future studies to examine seasonal differences and concentrations of emerging contaminants within the watershed and lake. This comprehensive sampling program will include collection, lab analysis, and final report preparation.  

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the District’s customers will save an estimated $1,184,500 compared to traditional financing.