Oklahoma Water Resources Center

Smarter irrigation starts with better data. By using real field insights, producers can reduce guesswork, conserve water, cut costs and protect long-term productivity, turning every drop into both environmental and economic value.

The Master Irrigator Program from OSU Extension provides advanced training in irrigation water management, irrigation system and equipment maintenance and more. To learn more about Master Irrigator visit: https://bit.ly/4160mt7

Did you know that cattle can exert more pressure per square inch to the soil than tractors? This makes management techniques that aid in limited soil compaction incredibly important to ensure you are maintaining good infiltration levels.

Key aspects of managing for soil compaction in livestock production is grazing density, livestock distribution & stocking rates, but there are many management practices that can aid in infiltration.

Learn more about maintaining grass cover & rotational grazing through our Virtual Fencing project here: https://bit.ly/3N4YvPD

Learn more about prescribed fire with our Prescribed Fire & Water project here: https://bit.ly/3L9kxlW

Learn more about practices like cover crops & no-till with our RegenAg project here: https://bit.ly/4ewkBWL

Wastewater treatment facilities in the United States process approximately 34 billion gallons of wastewater every day, making each stage of treatment essential for protecting public health and maintaining environmental quality.

After primary and secondary wastewater treatment, the water produced is generally at a high & safe level of purity which allows it to be returned to the environment in most cases. Newer technologies have allowed for further treatment at this point, which results in "reclaimed water" that can be reused for other uses or be discharged into more sensitive environments.

Learn more about Wastewater Treatment here: https://bit.ly/4tUNzaz

NEW PUBLICATION ALERT!

Check out the new publication titled “Uncertainty-informed topology-aware transfer learning for robust stream salinity prediction” by Khodkar, et. al. produced by our Conjunctive Freshwater Saltwater Management project.

This publication found that the model produced more accurate daily salinity data, especially downstream, even with limited data.

Read full publication here: https://bit.ly/4dIWuWO

Happy World Oceans Day!

Did you know that oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface, is the primary food source for over 1 Billion people, provides 50% of Earth’s oxygen & is home to the majority of Earth’s biodiversity?

The ocean is a critical Earth System that regulates climate, supports biodiversity & sustains life.

Learn more about how you can protect this vital resource here: https://bit.ly/4nwBEgz

Data center water consumption is a small proportion of total water consumption in the U.S. However, usage is still substantial, and overall demand is only expected to grow.

Estimates of direct water consumption vary dramatically. Some projections placed annual use at 73 billion gallons by 2028, while other studies reported actual consumption was about 80% lower than earlier estimates. Researchers have also found that water use for the same amount of digital output can vary by as much as 10,000 times.

Data center water usage is typically tied to electrical consumption meaning water demand may follow different patterns than other residential and commercial uses.

Read the full publication this data was pulled from here: https://bit.ly/4cZR2NL

As summer approaches, did you know well owners are responsible for all testing and maintaining of their household drinking water? Annual upkeep is essential to ensure clean and safe water for your family.

Keep your well protected this spring and summer by:
- checking and changing water treatment filters
- scheduling an annual water test
- scheduling well maintenance or inspections
- paying attention to debris around well head, being careful while landscaping & taking other steps to protect your well against contamination

To learn more about well maintenance visit: https://bit.ly/4lMhfTz

Happy National Rivers Month!

Did you know that Oklahoma has approximately 78k miles of rivers, with the U.S. having approximately 3.5M miles?

River systems transport flood waters, filter & attenuate pollutants, support clean water, recreation, agriculture & ecosystems – making them incredibly important! Keep Oklahoma’s river systems healthy by reducing litter & properly disposing of trash, chemicals, etc., practicing water conservation practices & participating in local river cleanup events.

Learn more about rivers here: https://bit.ly/3YBU6cA

Why is it important to eliminate lead in drinking water? There is no safe level of lead exposure.

Lead exposure can cause issues in everyone – from young children (the most susceptible) to adults and pregnant women.

Lead exposure often goes unrecognized due to a lack of immediate symptoms, so it is important to test your water.

Learn more about lead and water testing here: https://bit.ly/4dz2mjN

Cost of overgrazing - disrupting water infiltration & soil function

Grazing pressure directly influences water movement in soil, as higher plant cover & litter allows for higher rainfall infiltration & lowered runoff. As grazing pressure increases, plant cover & litter decreases, soil structure decreases & sediment/nutrient transport during runoff increases.

Well-managed, properly-stocked grazing systems can maintain vegetation that supports infiltration, stabilizes soil moisture & supports watersheds.

Effects of management decisions such as virtual fencing, rotational grazing, prescribed fire, patch-burn grazing & more are less effective when overgrazing is still present.

Read full publication here: https://bit.ly/4eFdgqT