Interim study brings rural water challenges and solutions before state lawmakers.
The Oklahoma Rural Water Association works every day alongside rural water and wastewater systems to provide the technical assistance, training, resources and advocacy needed to keep essential services operating across Oklahoma.
That work is at the forefront today as ORWA participates in an interim study at the Oklahoma State Capitol requested by Sen. Bill Coleman and Sen. Warren Hamilton. The study focuses on the infrastructure, financial, regulatory and workforce challenges facing rural water and wastewater systems and the resources needed to address them.
For more than five decades, ORWA has served as an on-the-ground resource for Oklahoma systems. From operator and board training to technical assistance, infrastructure planning, leak detection, emergency response and regulatory guidance, ORWA works directly with communities to solve problems and strengthen their operations.
That firsthand experience also guides ORWA’s advocacy at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C.
Ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session, ORWA is focused on increasing investment in aging water and wastewater infrastructure, protecting Oklahoma’s Rural Infrastructure Grant Program, expanding access to grants and low-interest financing, and ensuring communities continue to have access to qualified technical assistance.
Additional priorities include practical and affordable regulations for small systems, continued investment in operator training and workforce development, responsible long-term water planning, and protecting local control and rural representation in decisions affecting water and wastewater systems.
ORWA will continue working with legislators, state and federal agencies, and rural water partners to develop practical solutions that help systems remain financially and operationally sustainable while providing safe, reliable and affordable service.
ORWA appreciates Sen. Bill Coleman and Sen. Warren Hamilton for bringing these issues before the Legislature and the state agencies, lawmakers and rural water partners working together to address the needs of Oklahoma communities.
Strong rural water systems are essential to strong rural communities. ORWA will continue working at every level to ensure those systems have the resources, expertise and representation they need to serve Oklahoma for generations to come.