Oklahoma § 82-1085.31 - Public policy

§ 82-1085.31. Public policy

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state to encourage

and promote theoptimum development and utilization of all feasible

reservoir sites or areas within this state which may be suitable and

usable for the conservation storage of the waters of this state by

the construction or enlargement of dams, reservoirs or other

structures and for the development of sewage treatment facilities.

It is the purpose of this act to provide or assist in providing for

the acquisition, development and utilization of storage and control

facilities of the waters and sewage of this state for the use and

benefit of the public and for the conservation and distribution of

water for beneficial purposes in or from reservoirs or other storage

facilities constructed, or hereafter constructed, modified or

enlarged, within Oklahoma by the United States of America or

Oklahoma or any agency, department, subdivision or instrumentality

thereof, for the following and specific reasons and benefits for the

general welfare and the future economic growth of the state:

1. Multiple-purpose dam and reservoir sites are very limited in

number and not replaceable.

2. Water management in Oklahoma requires the storage of water

during periods of surplus supply for use during periods of short

supply.

3. Most reservoir sites in Oklahoma will have a useful life of

seventy-five to several hundred years. Therefore, it is imperative

that the reservoir sites be developed to the full potential of the

site and the net water yield of the drainage area after all present

and future needs and beneficial uses of water are satisfied above

said site.

4. The conservation of soil and water in Oklahoma requires the

continuation of watershed protection and flood prevention programs

on an accelerated priority basis with consideration given to future

water needs of the area of origin.

5. Sewage treatment and control in Oklahoma creates certain

health problems in certain communities due to lack of adequate

treatment facilities.

Laws 1979, c. 247, § 1; Laws 1980, c. 158, § 1, eff. July 1, 1980.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 82. Waters and Water Rights