Springs in Dire Need of Significant Rainfall

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

SULPHUR, Oklahoma -- Lack of rain over the last six months has dried up a popular summer spot for Oklahomans.

"I've been here a bunch of times," park visitor James Perkins said. "I've never seen it like this."

The popular springs and Little Niagra pool of the Chickasaw National Recreation Park are bone dry.

"The water usually at high enough level that it's spilling over the spillway with a nice cascade of water into the creek," Park Superintendent Bruce Noble said.

Track the water levels at Antelope Springs.

Park rangers say the last time the Buffalo and Antelope springs were dry for this long was back in 1984, almost 25 years ago.

"Our society has a tendency to take water, our natural resources, for granted," said Park Ranger Eric Leonard.

Steady and significant rainfall is needed. Noble said if the conditions don't improve, the town of Sulphur could suffer from a lack of tourism dollars.

About 1.4 million people visit the park each year, most come specifically for the water.