OWRB and Logan County RWD No. 1 Break Ground on $3.1 Million Water Project to Rescue Neighborhood from Well contamination
GUTHRIE, Okla. — The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and Logan County Rural Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Management District No. 1 (District) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, April 17, 2026, to launch a critical infrastructure project that will restore safe drinking water to dozens of Oklahoma families.
The project marks the expansion of the District’s service area into southern Logan County. By installing over 44,000 linear feet of new water lines and modern metering systems, the District will provide a permanent, clean water source for more than 70 residences whose private wells have been rendered unsafe by contamination.
Strategic Funding Saves Ratepayers Millions
To address the crisis, residents collaborated with Senator Grant Green who worked alongside the District, the OWRB, and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) to secure a $3.1 million funding package. The financial structure includes:
- $2,000,000 Progressing Rural Prosperity (PREP) Grant: Facilitated by SB 1151, authored by Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall (R-Perry).
- $1,100,000 DWSRF Loan Forgiveness: Provided through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, co-administered by the OWRB and ODEQ.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, noted that by utilizing these specific state and federal programs, the District’s customers will save an estimated $5,158,104 compared to the costs of traditional financing.
A Community-Driven Solution
The water crisis became a priority for Senator Grant Green in 2025 after he was alerted to the situation by constituents Tammy and Chris Boarman, whose daily lives were severely impacted by the lack of clean water.
“A home without clean water simply isn’t a home at all. Too many of us take this basic resource for granted. I know I did until I heard the Boarmans’ story,” said Senator Green, R-Wellston. “While I’m proud to have worked with my legislative colleagues to secure this critical funding, I also know it cannot come soon enough for the families in this area who are left wondering if it is safe to drink the water in their own homes. As this project gets underway, I’m thankful to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and Logan County Rural Water District No. 1 for connecting these households to the highest-quality water.”
The ceremony was attended by Senator Green, the OWRB leadership team, the ODEQ, the District’s Board of Directors, and neighborhood residents.
"At the OWRB, our mission is to ensure Oklahomans have access to clean and safe drinking water," said Julie Cunningham, OWRB Executive Director. "I commend Senator Green for his unwavering dedication to supporting rural water and Logan County RWD No. 1 for their commitment to providing reliable water to their neighbors in need. These partnerships protect both public health and our state’s water future."
Marilyn Barton, President of the Logan County RWD No. 1 Board of Directors, added:
"This groundbreaking is more than just a construction milestone; it’s a perfect example of Okies helping Okies problem solve. We are proud to be the system that welcomes them home to clean, safe water."
Construction is currently underway, with crews working to connect impacted homes as quickly as possible. The project is scheduled for completion by the fall of 2026.
About the OWRB
Established in 1957, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) serves as the state’s water resources planning and development agency. A nine-member Board oversees the OWRB, with members appointed by the Governor to represent nine geographic regions and water-use sectors. The OWRB is committed to managing, protecting, and improving Oklahoma’s water resources to meet long-term water supply, water quality, flood mitigation, and infrastructure needs. For more information, visit Oklahoma.gov/owrb.
