Water for 2060 Excellence Award Winners Mark DeLeon and City of Guymon Honored at the 2025 Oklahoma's Governor's Water Conference
NORMAN, OKLA. — The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), on behalf of Governor Kevin Stitt, proudly presented the 2025 Oklahoma Water for 2060 Excellence Awards to Mark DeLeon and the City of Guymon during the annual Governor’s Water Conference on December 4.
Oklahoma made history in 2012 as the first state to set a statewide goal of using no more freshwater in 2060 than was consumed in 2010. In 2017, based on recommendations from a special advisory council to the Governor and Legislature, the Water for 2060 Excellence Award Program was established to honor individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to water-use efficiency and conservation across the state.
Mark DeLeon of Beckham County is a progressive producer and board member of the North Fork Red River Conservation District. On his farm, DeLeon has adopted cutting-edge technologies—including soil and canopy moisture sensors, flow meters, and advanced irrigation systems to apply water precisely, reducing over-pumping while maintaining crop yields. Beyond his farm, Mark has contributed to the Master Irrigator Program, helped shape its curriculum, contributed to statewide water planning efforts, and assisted in forming a local water district that serves as a model for sustainable groundwater management. Through innovative practices and collaboration with conservation agencies, DeLeon exemplifies how Oklahoma producers can conserve water, lower costs, and ensure long-term agricultural and community resilience.
The City of Guymon received the Water for 2060 Excellence Award for its innovative Mesa Well Project, which secures long-term water supply and resilience in the Oklahoma Panhandle. By accessing deeper aquifers and modernizing infrastructure with automated monitoring, high-efficiency pumps, and a 17-mile transmission line, the city has maximized water efficiency and reduced stress on aging systems. The project also prepares for future water reuse by allowing treated water to be safely reintroduced into the system, further conserving resources. Throughpublic education initiatives, conservation programs, and partnerships with local industries, Guymon’s efforts have achieved measurable water savings and fostered a community-wide culture of stewardship. This approach protects the region’s economic vitality and ensures sustainable water resources for generations to come.
