During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical updates regarding water supply management and lake levels in the city of Lawton. Residents seeking information on local lake levels can access data for Lake Ellsworth and Lake Latonka through the city’s website, specifically under the department for lakes and gate operations. However, information for Lake Warreka is currently available only via the United States Army Corps of Engineers site, with plans to integrate this link into the city’s website in the future.

The city has made significant strides in enhancing its water supply, having drilled one production well capable of producing 1.25 million gallons per day. Additionally, four more production wells are under contract, which are expected to increase total production capacity to approximately 7 million gallons per day. This expansion aims to meet the city’s average daily water usage, which peaks at around 22 million gallons during summer months.

Officials are also exploring treatment options for groundwater, which has been found to contain higher levels of fluoride and iron. A pilot program is currently underway to test a green sand filtration system, which could provide a more economical solution compared to a full reverse osmosis system, although the latter remains a viable option. The estimated cost for constructing a new water treatment plant has risen significantly, with projections now nearing $40 million, up from an earlier estimate of $17 million in 2016.

In response to inquiries about water reserves, officials confirmed that the city maintains approximately four years' worth of water supply when full, despite fluctuations in rainfall. The ongoing assessment of the Arbuckle Timbers aquifer, where drilling is taking place, continues to inform the city’s water management strategies.