§ 1086.1. Policy of state as to use of surplus and excess water--State water plan
Oklahoma Statutes AnnotatedTitle 82. Waters and Water Rights
82 Okl.St.Ann. § 1086.1
§ 1086.1. Policy of state as to use of surplus and excess water--State water plan
A. All of the people have a primary interest in the orderly and coordinated control, protection, management, conservation, development and utilization of the water resources of the state. The people residing within areas where waters originate benefit from the optimum development and utilization of water within the area of origin. The people in water deficient areas benefit by being able to use excess and surplus waters. The policy of the State of Oklahoma is to encourage the use of surplus and excess water to the extent that the use thereof is not required by people residing within the area where such water originates. In order to maximize the alternatives available for the use and benefit of the public and water-user entities and for the use and benefit of the public and for the general welfare and future economic growth of the state, it is therefore the purpose of this act to provide means for the expeditious and coordinated preparation of a comprehensive state water plan and decennial updates thereof for submission to the Legislature providing for the management, protection, conservation, structural and nonstructural development and utilization of water resources of this state, in accordance with the following principles:
1. Multiple-purpose dams and reservoir sites, both existing and planned or under construction as of the effective date of this act1 or amendment thereof, within the area where excess or surplus water originates and elsewhere, should be utilized to the maximum;
2. Water should be stored during periods of surplus supply for use during periods of short supply; such storage should be in the area of usage. In such cases where storage in the area of origin may be permitted, the purchasing entities shall pay to the county of origin, in lieu of ad valorem taxes and as part of the total cost of the purchase of the water, an amount computed by averaging the tax on land similar to the land taken off the tax rolls as a result of the construction of such storage facilities within the county of origin;
5. All citizens, municipalities and other water-user entities in need of water for beneficial use shall be entitled to appropriate water and vest rights therein in accordance with priorities as provided by law, and shall be entitled to cause same to be made available to the water user in the most practicable and feasible manner; and
B. The exercise of the powers granted by this act2 are in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity and for the improvement of their health and living conditions. The primary purpose governing all exercise of powers hereunder shall be to maximize and not to minimize the alternatives available to all citizens, municipalities and other water-user entities in acquiring water for beneficial use.
Credits
Laws 1974, c. 25, § 1, eff. April 10, 1974; Laws 1992, c. 48, § 1, eff. July 1, 1992.
82 Okl. St. Ann. § 1086.1, OK ST T. 82 § 1086.1
Current with emergency effective legislation through Chapter 182 of the Second Regular Session of the 59th Legislature (2024). Some sections may be more current, see credits for details.
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