Lawmakers Say State's Water Wells Need More Attention

Lawmakers completed a study Tuesday on declining water tables in Oklahoma. 

Tuesday, September 9th 2014, 4:33 pm

By: News 9


Lawmakers completed a study Tuesday on declining water tables in Oklahoma. The study showed more work needs to be done to make sure wells are properly inspected and shut down when they are leaking.

According to State Rep. Steve Vaughan, R-Ponca City, residents in Kay and Noble Counties have been seeing their water wells either drying up or getting contaminated.

“In my area, we have thousands of older wells, which are prone to leaks and my concern is whether these wells are being maintained to the point that is necessary to protect our fresh water,” he said.

Vaughan said the study made it clear the Oklahoma Corporation Commission could use more resources to keep up with wells in the state. Vaughan said the Department of Environmental Quality reports less than half of wells in his area have been tested for mechanical integrity in the last four years.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is also reportedly considering special rules to deal with wells clogged with mud.

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