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Committee advances bill requiring measurement or metering for commercial water use with five‑year averaging
Summary
House Bill 18 07 would require commercial water producers to measure or meter withdrawals, allow alternative measurement systems and five‑year averaging, and excludes domestic wells; the committee passed the bill unanimously.
Representative Newton explained House Bill 18 07, saying the bill aims to get better data on commercial water use, particularly in western Oklahoma where groundwater is a primary resource. The sponsor said the measure would require commercial/industrial water producers to measure or meter withdrawals, allow alternative measuring methods such as telemetry or calculation by pipe size and pressure, and include a five‑year averaging provision to accommodate drought variability.
The sponsor emphasized the bill does not seek to regulate domestic wells used for households; the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) would implement the measurement standards and accept alternative measurement approaches. Representative Newton said many industrial users are already metered and that the bill is not intended to impose new burdens on small operators.
Key technical points raised: The bill allows a range of measurement techniques (meters, telemetry, pipe‑flow calculations and GPS/telemetry on pivots) and a five‑year averaging window so short‑term drought use does not automatically cause noncompliance. The sponsor said landowners would bear the cost if they choose to install meters but that alternatives could be used in lieu of physical meters.
Action: The committee voted to pass the bill; the clerk recorded “9 ayes, 0 nay.” Representative Newton thanked the committee and the bill moves forward.
