Water – City of OKC (.gov)

Report on Oklahoma City Water Utilities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Oklahoma City Water Utilities serves over 1.5 million residents across 17 communities and rural water districts in Oklahoma. The utility manages water, wastewater, and trash services, sourcing raw water from five reservoirs and treating it at two water treatment plants before distribution. This report highlights the operations, community partnerships, historical development, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Service Overview and Sustainable Development Goals Alignment

Water Supply and Treatment

• Raw water is sourced from five reservoirs: Hefner, Stanley Draper, Canton, Atoka, McGee Creek, and Sardis.
• Water treatment occurs at two plants in Oklahoma City, ensuring safe and clean water delivery.
• Wastewater treatment is managed through four treatment plants.
• Trash and recycling services are provided to Oklahoma City customers.

These activities directly support SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Community Partnerships and Governance

1. Operations and capital programs are overseen by the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust, meeting bi-monthly.
2. Partnerships with the Atoka Reservation Association and McGee Creek Authority support water supply management in southeast Oklahoma.
3. Funding is primarily sourced from ratepayer revenues, with no reliance on the City’s General Fund, promoting financial sustainability.

These governance and partnership structures align with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering collaboration for sustainable development.

Communities Served

The utility serves a diverse range of communities, including:

• Atoka
• Atoka RWD #4
• Blanchard
• Canadian County Water Authority
• Edmond (select neighborhoods)
• El Reno
• Lattimore Materials Corp.
• Moore
• Mustang
• Newcastle
• Nichols Hills
• Norman
• Oklahoma City
• Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company
• Piedmont
• Pottawatomie County RWD #3
• Shawnee
• The Village
• Tinker Air Force Base
• Warr Acres
• Yukon

Serving these communities contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by providing essential services that support urban and rural sustainability.

Historical Development and Future Planning

Early Water Infrastructure

• Initial water supply began with a single well post-1889 Land Run, expanding to multiple wells and pipelines by 1908.
• Lake Overholser Dam was constructed in 1918 to address water scarcity, a critical infrastructure supporting community resilience.

Mid-20th Century Expansion

• Lake Hefner was completed in 1947 after delays due to World War II, accompanied by a new water treatment plant.
• In 1961, a $62 million project established Lakes Atoka and Draper, a 100-mile pipeline, pump stations, and treatment facilities to meet growing demand.

Recent and Future Initiatives

• A 2009 study projects central Oklahoma’s water demand will double by 2060, reaching 316 million gallons per day.
• In 2010, water storage rights were contracted for Lake Sardis, with permits sought for additional water from Lake Sardis and the Kiamichi River.
• This expansion aims to provide domestic water to approximately one-third of Oklahomans for the next 60 years.

These efforts support SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 13: Climate Action by enhancing infrastructure resilience and ensuring sustainable water resources amid changing environmental conditions.

Conclusion

Oklahoma City Water Utilities demonstrates a comprehensive approach to water and sanitation management that aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Through strategic partnerships, community service, historical investment, and forward-looking infrastructure planning, the utility contributes significantly to sustainable development in Oklahoma.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses extensively on water supply, treatment, and wastewater management for over 1.5 million Oklahomans, addressing the availability and sustainable management of water resources.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses water and waste services provided to multiple communities and rural districts, contributing to sustainable urban development and infrastructure.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Management of wastewater and trash services indicates efforts toward sustainable waste management and resource efficiency.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article mentions partnerships with local authorities and associations to manage water resources, highlighting collaborative efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all — evidenced by the extensive water supply and treatment infrastructure serving 1.5 million people.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and increasing recycling and safe reuse — implied through wastewater treatment plants and management.
   • Target 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors — suggested by long-term water supply planning and infrastructure investments.
   • Target 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation — reflected in partnerships with local water authorities.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and waste management — connected to trash and recycling services.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse — linked to trash and recycling programs mentioned.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships — demonstrated by collaboration with Atoka Reservation Association and McGee Creek Authority.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 6
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services — implied by the number of people served (1.5 million) and the infrastructure described.
   • Proportion of wastewater safely treated — implied by the operation of four wastewater treatment plants.
   • Water use efficiency — implied by long-term water supply planning and infrastructure investments.
   • Volume of water storage rights and permits — indicated by water storage rights in Lake Sardis and water use permits.
2. Indicators for SDG 11
   • Municipal solid waste collected and managed in controlled facilities — implied by trash and recycling services provided.
3. Indicators for SDG 12
   • Amount of waste recycled — implied by the recycling services mentioned.
4. Indicators for SDG 17
   • Number and effectiveness of partnerships — implied by the cooperation with local water authorities and associations.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: okc.gov