In a recent government meeting, officials reported a significant improvement in the water levels of Lawton's three primary lakes—Latonka, Lake Ellsworth, and Waurika Lake—following recent rainfall. As of Monday morning, the combined storage of these lakes rose from 79% to 88.6%, indicating a positive trend in water supply for the city.

The meeting highlighted the distinct watersheds feeding each lake, with officials explaining the complex drainage systems that contribute to the city's water resources. The updated data reflects a notable increase in lake levels, attributed to rainfall over the weekend, which has alleviated some concerns regarding water usage restrictions.

City regulations dictate water usage restrictions based on lake levels, with voluntary restrictions in place at 70% capacity. Mandatory restrictions begin at 60%, limiting outdoor watering to every other day. Currently, the city remains at stage 1 restrictions, which are voluntary, and officials noted that without the recent rain, the city would not have reached this level until early January.

Looking ahead, officials acknowledged that the upcoming months typically bring drier weather, but they remain hopeful for additional rainfall, which historically occurs during this period. The meeting underscored the importance of monitoring lake levels and the ongoing management of water resources to ensure a sustainable supply for Lawton's residents.