Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 785 - Oklahoma Water Resources Board
The Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 785 is dedicated to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB). This comprehensive title outlines the rules and regulations that govern how the OWRB carries out its mission to manage, protect, and enhance Oklahoma's water resources.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas typically covered within Title 785:
Core Responsibilities and Powers of the OWRB (as reflected in its rules):
Water Permitting and Appropriation: This is a major area, covering the application, review, and granting of permits for the use of both stream water (publicly owned, including lakes, ponds, and reservoirs) and groundwater (owned by landowners, but regulated by the OWRB for non-domestic use). Chapters like "Appropriation and Use of Stream Water" (Chapter 20) and "Taking and Use of Groundwater" (Chapter 30) detail these processes.
Water Quality Standards: While some water quality functions were transferred to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in 1993, the OWRB still plays a crucial role. Title 785, Chapter 46, specifically covers the "Implementation of Oklahoma's Water Quality Standards." The OWRB also conducts monitoring and studies to classify water resources and support these standards.
Financial Assistance: The OWRB is a primary agency for providing financial assistance (loans and grants) to communities, rural water districts, and other entities for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Chapter 50 focuses on "Financial Assistance" programs, such as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Dam Safety: The OWRB is responsible for regulating the construction, modification, operation, and maintenance of dams in Oklahoma. This includes establishing hazard and size classifications, minimum design standards, and conducting inspections. Chapter 25 is dedicated to "Dams and Reservoirs."
Floodplain Management: The OWRB oversees floodplain management programs, including floodplain administrator training and the development of the State Flood Plan. Chapter 55 covers "Development on State Owned or Operated Property Within Floodplains and Floodplain Administrator Accreditation."
Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing: The Board licenses and regulates well drillers and pump installers to ensure proper well construction and prevent groundwater pollution. Chapter 35 details "Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing" requirements, including continuing education.
Water Planning and Data Collection: The OWRB is involved in long-range water planning for the state, including the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan. It also conducts extensive hydrologic studies, water monitoring, and maintains GIS data and interactive maps.
Administrative Operations and Procedures: Chapters like "Organization and Procedure of Oklahoma Water Resources Board" (Chapter 1) and "Rules of Practice and Hearings" (Chapter 4) outline the Board's structure, meeting procedures, and how hearings and complaints are handled. Chapter 5 specifies "Fees" for various services.
Key Chapters often found within Title 785:
Chapter 1: Organization and Procedure of Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Chapter 4: Rules of Practice and Hearings
Chapter 5: Fees
Chapter 10: Special Purpose Districts (related to water and sewer districts)1
Chapter 11: Acquisition of Assets and Control of Rural Water Districts and Corporations2
Chapter 15: Weather Modification3
Chapter 20: Appropriation and Use of Stream Water4
Chapter 25: Dams and Reservoirs5
Chapter 30: Taking and Use of Groundwater6
Chapter 32: Aquifer Storage and Recovery7
Chapter 35: Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing8
Chapter 946: Implementation of Oklahoma's Water Quality Standards (Note: Chapters 40 and 45 related to pollution remedies have been revoked due to transfer of functions to DEQ)
Chapter 50: Financial Assistance
Chapter 55: Development on State Owned or Operated Property Within Floodplains and Floodplain Administrator Accreditation
Where to find the Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 785:
Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) Website: The official OWRB website (oklahoma.gov/owrb) provides direct links to their "Rules & Requirements."
Oklahoma Secretary of State's Office of Administrative Rules: This is the central repository for the full Oklahoma Administrative Code (rules.ok.gov). You can search for Title 785 there.
Legal Information Websites: Resources like Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII) and Justia also provide access to the Oklahoma Administrative Code.
Always ensure you are consulting the most current version of the regulations, as rules can be updated.
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