Despite Recent Rain Totals, City Of OKC Pushes For Water Conservation

With recent rains and more on the way, water levels at local lakes are the highest they've been in years. But the rise isn't stopping the City of Oklahoma City's push for water conservation.

"The past couple of droughts have proven to us just how precious our water resources are," said Debbie Ragan of Oklahoma City Utilities Department.

Looking far from a drought now, Lake Hefner is springing with water, but it was a much different look just weeks ago.

"It was really low, it was actually sad to see it that low, and you can walk out and in the lake and not even get wet, so I'm glad it's filling up," said Phyllis Morton, who was visiting the lake with her 1-year-old granddaughter.

Rain has filled the lakes so much, that five of six lakes that provide water to Oklahoma City are near or at capacity.

Lake Stanley Draper is one foot above normal, and Lake Hefner isn't far behind at four feet away from being full.

"I think it's wonderful, it was really sad trying to come over here and feed the ducks when it was so low, but it's filled up quite nicely," Morton said.

But the abundant water flow isn't changing the city's staunch approach on saving water.

Oklahoma City Conservation

"We're still under water conservation, and our city council implemented the water conservation program with odd-even watering in effect all the time," Ragan said.

The city is also asking residents and businesses to shut off sprinkler systems for the rest of the month at least, saying it wants to be prepared for whenever Oklahoma is dealt with another drought.

"We don't know when or if we'll ever experience another drought, we hope not, but it proves that water conservation or using water wisely especially outdoors is important all the time," Ragan said.

One of the city's water supply lakes, Lake Canton is still 11 feet below normal. The city hopes upcoming rain will bring all of its lakes to capacity.