The Oklahoma Water Resources Board is moving to speed up and also make easier its permitting process.

In a recent announcement, the OWRB said because of new legislation regarding water rights administration in the state, it was ” increasing our capacity to speed up water right application processes and legal proceedings, streamline water use reporting and data accuracy, increase field services, and address water use complaints and non-compliance.”

The OWRB is offering voluntary pre-application meetings to help applicants with document submittal.

“We are also working through the backlog of administrative hearings and developing an online platform for permit applications/amendments.”

In response to customer feedback, the OWRB is building an online water-use reporting platform that will simplify required reporting, improve data accuracy, and reduce paper handling. The agency stated it plans to roll out a test version soon.

Please see the summary of House Bill 2197 below for information on new compliance procedures, including annual water use reporting.

To receive future updates on water rights administration, select “Manage Preferences” below and add “Water Permitting/Water Rights” to your subscriber topics. Our water permitting web page also remains a comprehensive resource for current information.

“We are committed to keeping you up to date as we make these improvements. Please do not hesitate to contact our Water Rights Administration team at 405.530.8800 or email WaterPermitting@owrb.ok.gov.”