Oklahoma Water Resources Center

Oklahoma Water Resources Center Strive to improve water quality and sustainable water use through research, education & training. invested in water resources research, education and outreach.

Established in 1965, the Oklahoma Water Resources Center (OWRC) is one of 54 institutes/centers in the U.S. Although headquartered at Oklahoma State University, the OWRC serves the entire state of Oklahoma. The OWRC strives to achieve high water quality and sustainable use of our region’s water through integrated programs of research, education, training and technical assistance.

Burn scar to recovery - how wildfires can temporarily change how runoff moves across landscapeWildfires: unplanned, unco...
08/31/2026

Burn scar to recovery - how wildfires can temporarily change how runoff moves across landscape

Wildfires: unplanned, uncontrolled fire that is typically fast-spreading and damaging; can burn soil making it water-repellent, causing a burn scar

Intense rainfall (thresholds vary, but typically > 1/2 inch of rain per hour) on burn scar soil can trigger flash floods & debris flows due to increased runoff. Vegetation recovery slows runoff, and in the Great Plains native perennial vegetation can recover quickly after a fire.

2016 Anderson Creek Fire
Northwestern Oklahoma, spreading into Southern Kansas
Major increase in bare ground & burn scar soil following wildfire
Rapid vegetation regrowth resulted in no significant soil loss or land damage as documented by OSU Extension

Rainfall intensity & vegetation recovery after wildfire are major influences on soil loss & land damage.

Read full publication here: https://bit.ly/3TOwNwL

Grazing cover crops can provide supplemental forage, but proper management is required to protect soil and water quality...
08/28/2026

Grazing cover crops can provide supplemental forage, but proper management is required to protect soil and water quality. Adjusting stocking rates and grazing duration based on available forage can help prevent overgrazing, maintain ground cover and reduce erosion. When soil is left exposed, sediment and nutrients can enter waterways.

Aim to maintain at least 30% ground cover for soil protection.

Our RegenAg project explores regenerative practices, such as cover crops, effect on water infiltration, quality and runoff. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4ewkBWL

As we continue through Water Quality Month, let’s explore potential conservation actions to improve water quality for Ok...
08/26/2026

As we continue through Water Quality Month, let’s explore potential conservation actions to improve water quality for Oklahoma Wading Birds!

Water quality changes from degradation of streams/rivers & riparian areas threaten Oklahoma Wading Birds like:

Great Blue Heron
• A year-round range in all of Oklahoma
• Key traits: slate blue, patches of gray on breast, head white, crown/crest/legs black
• Habitats include streams, ponds and lakes

Great Egret
• Passage migrant in western Oklahoma and breeding resident in eastern Oklahoma
• Key traits: large, all white, daggar-like yellow bill, dark legs/feet
• Habitats include marshes, ponds, lagoons and streams/lakes

Potential Conservation actions:

Limit degradation by humans & livestock
• Riparian buffer zones along streams/rivers
• Limited-access rock ramps for livestock ponds
• Increase bank stability through management practices
• Virtual/physical fencing to limit livestock access
• Reduce mowing & vehicle/ATV activity along river/stream/bank edge
• Other management practices

Improve water quality
• Reduce nutrient, pesticides & inorganic chemicals from livestock, crop fields & yards

Maintain riparian wetlands & avoid nesting disturbance.

Water treatment plays an important role in providing safe drinking water to campus.OSU's Water Treatment Plant sources r...
08/24/2026

Water treatment plays an important role in providing safe drinking water to campus.

OSU's Water Treatment Plant sources raw water from Lake Carl Blackwell and supplied 476 million gallons of water to campus in 2025. That is a full football field (with end zones) with a depth of over 1 thousand feet or over 700 Olympic swimming pools!

Across the OSU Stillwater Campus, there are over 140 water filling stations which have saved over 6.8 Million plastic bottles since installation!

To learn more about how OSU Facilities Management, visit: https://fm.okstate.edu/

08/21/2026

Check out this reel Oklahoma County OSU Extension Service did about the recent Master Irrigator Summit!

Clean, safe drinking water starts with proper water treatment.Treatment needs vary depending on the quality of the sourc...
08/21/2026

Clean, safe drinking water starts with proper water treatment.

Treatment needs vary depending on the quality of the source water. Surface water may require more treatment than groundwater due to higher levels of sediments, organic matter and microorganisms.

Treatment typically includes five key stages: coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection.

To learn more visit: https://bit.ly/4xjN6A1

What is a data center's water footprint?A water footprint is the consumptive use of surface water and groundwater. For U...
08/19/2026

What is a data center's water footprint?

A water footprint is the consumptive use of surface water and groundwater. For U.S. data centers, it includes:
• Direct: On-site water use
• Indirect: Water use associated with electricity and water utilities

As demand for online platforms, video streaming, smart infrastructure and artificial intelligence continues to grow, understanding both direct and indirect water use is an important part of managing our water resources.

To learn more and read the full publication visit: https://bit.ly/4fRPQxv

Not every algal bloom is toxic, but some can produce toxins that affect people, pets, livestock, fish and other wildlife...
08/17/2026

Not every algal bloom is toxic, but some can produce toxins that affect people, pets, livestock, fish and other wildlife. Warm temperatures, calm water, sunlight and excess nutrients can create conditions that support harmful algal blooms.

Knowing what to look for and following local health advisories can help protect people and animals from potential exposure.

If you suspect a harmful algal bloom, water samples can be tested for cyanobacteria at the Oklahoma Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory for $18.

When in doubt, avoid water with visible algae or discoloration and follow recommended water use guidelines.

To learn more visit: https://bit.ly/4homyIX

Oklahoma Water QualityClean water supports healthy ecosystems, thriving communities and a reliable water supply. The Okl...
08/14/2026

Oklahoma Water Quality

Clean water supports healthy ecosystems, thriving communities and a reliable water supply. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality oversees more than 1,300 public water supply systems serving approximately 3.7 million customers across the state.

Routine monitoring, inspections and sanitary surveys help identify potential risks and ensure drinking water meets federal and state safety standards.

Protecting water today helps ensure safe, reliable water for tomorrow.

To learn more visit: https://bit.ly/4yuEWGk

Clean construction starts with protecting our waterways. When soil is exposed at construction sites, rain can wash sedim...
08/12/2026

Clean construction starts with protecting our waterways.

When soil is exposed at construction sites, rain can wash sediment into nearby streams and lakes. OSU researchers are studying how flocculants could be used alongside existing stormwater management practices to help reduce construction runoff pollution and protect Oklahoma's waterways.

To learn more about this research and efforts to reduce construction runoff pollution visit: https://bit.ly/3Rmm0sL

Address

Oklahoma State University Noble Research Center Suite 110
Stillwater, OK
74078

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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