Mayes County Rural Water District No. 6 Receives $2,760,000 Loan for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rural Water District No. 6, Mayes County, Oklahoma (District) received approval for a $2,760,000 Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve their  water infrastructure.

The District operates a water treatment plant that serves more than 2,000 water connections and provides wholesale service to the Town of Adair. The District draws its water supply from Lake Hudson and currently treats up to 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD), with peak demand approaching that limit as the community continues to grow. To ensure reliable service and accommodate future needs, the District is proposing to expand its treatment capacity to 2.0 MGD—an expansion that was anticipated in the plant’s original design. The project includes adding a new sedimentation basin, filter components, flocculation and mixing equipment, and associated piping and controls. These improvements will strengthen long-term system reliability and support continued development across the service area.

According to Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, the District’s  customers will save an estimated $911,300 compared to traditional financing. The loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the District’s water service and a mortgage on the water system.

Local officials attending the OWRB’s monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Chairman Steve Hall. “We appreciate you all trying to help us out up there in northeast Oklahoma, in Mayes County,” said Hall.

"Expanding the Rural Water District No. 6 treatment plant will ensure that our growing communities continue to have access to safe and reliable water,” said Senator Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair. “This investment prepares the district for future growth while enhancing system efficiency and capacity. I extend my appreciation to the Rural Water District No. 6 officials and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for their commitment and hard work in making this project possible."

"Water is one of those things you don't think about until there's a problem. This upgrade helps make sure we stay ahead of those problems as our area continues to grow. The expansion at Rural Water District No. 6 positions Mayes County for the future instead of playing catch-up later. I appreciate the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for supporting responsible planning in rural communities like ours," Rep. Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita said. 

“Growth is good, but it only works if the infrastructure is ready for it. This expansion helps Mayes County stay ahead. I appreciate the OWRB for backing rural communities as they plan for what’s next,” Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, said.

“We are grateful to the State Legislators from the Mayes County area for their support of our financial assistance programs,” said Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $8.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.