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Oklahoma Rural Water Association Responds Immediately to EF4 Tornado Damage in Northwest Oklahoma

Disaster / Emergency, Health & Safety, News / By

The Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA) responded immediately following the EF4 tornado that struck northwest Oklahoma, including Garfield County and the Enid area, this past Thursday evening. Beginning first thing Friday morning, ORWA staff initiated direct contact with member water systems and rural community personnel throughout the impacted region to assess damages, identify emergency needs, […]

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Born in Oklahoma, Serving the Nation: NRWA Celebrates 50 Years

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Fifty years ago, the Articles of Incorporation were signed to form the National Rural Water Association and a movement was born. Rural Water was founded in Oklahoma, by Oklahomans, with a simple but powerful mission: stand up for rural water and wastewater systems, strengthen small communities, and ensure local control remains in local hands. The

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ORWA Board Member Todd Ray Appointed to Oklahoma DEQ Water Quality Management Advisory Council

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The Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA) is proud to announce the appointment of ORWA Board Member Todd Ray to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Water Quality Management Advisory Council by Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert. Mr. Ray will serve as a member who holds a certificate under the Waterworks and Wastewater Works

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ORWA Provides System Outreach – Helping Pawnee RWD 2 Recover from Wildfire

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Earlier this year, wildfires across our state caused profound devastation. Entire communities were displaced, and countless families faced the loss of their homes and livelihoods. In response to this crisis, personnel from Sardis Lake Water Authority, ORWA, and Pawnee District #2 collaborated to provide critical assistance to those affected. Our teams engaged directly with residents,

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Protecting Our Water: ORWA and DEQ Take Aim at PFAS

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Water and wastewater system operators recognize that as science uncovers new and increasingly complex threats to drinking water and the environment, government agencies respond with additional rules and regulations. One of the most recent threats identified is a group of compounds known as PFAS. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used in

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Capacity Development Progress in West Siloam Springs

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In 2023, ORWA Tribal Specialists conducted an evaluation in West Siloam Springs using the capacity development worksheet as part of the Mankiller Soap Water Act Assessment. The system’s initial score identified areas needing improvement to strengthen sustainability. This year, ORWA returned to provide direct support and complete targeted tasks to address those gaps. As a

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ORWA Staff Participate in National Emergency Response Training in Arkansas

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When disaster hits—whether it’s a tornado, flood, or major equipment failure—rural water systems have to be ready. That’s why members of the Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA) headed to Lonoke, Arkansas for the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) Emergency Response Training, hosted by the Arkansas Rural Water Association. Circuit Riders Josh Walker and Travis Henry,

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Rapid Response: ORWA Helps Restore Water Service in Hominy

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The Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA) was recently called to assist the City of Hominy, Oklahoma, in locating a major leak on their main raw water supply line. Following heavy rains and flooding, ORWA’s Leak Detection Coordinator Keith Garramone, Sustainability Specialist John Morris, and EPA Specialist Sawyer Seago have been on-site since Wednesday evening providing

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ORWA and Partners Deliver Critical Support for Dam Repairs in Barnsdall

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORWA Partners with Senator Mullin’s Office, ODEQ, OWRB, and Osage County to Secure Emergency Funding for Waxoma Lake Dam Repairs in Barnsdall Barnsdall, OK — In a collaborative effort between the Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA), U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin’s office, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), the Oklahoma Water Resources

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ORWA Empowers the Next Generation through Apprentice Program

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The Oklahoma Rural Water Association hosted a Workforce Impact Partnership Grant (IPG) career convening meeting in Norman, Okla., bringing educators, water utilities, and industry leaders together to discuss career discovery and career exploration for high school students. “The water and wastewater industry is facing an aging workforce,” said ORWA CEO, Jimmy Seago. “Trade programs are

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