The City of Tulsa is actively partaking in Source Water Protection Week, joining a nationwide movement to emphasize the importance of preserving drinking water sources. This initiative represents Tulsa's ongoing commitment to maintaining the purity and safety of its water supply, a task it has undertaken with diligence for many years.
According to a press release from the City of Tulsa's officials, Tulsa has been dedicated to this endeavor since the inception of the Spavinaw Water Project over a century ago. "The City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority have been safeguarding our source water since the Spavinaw Water Project began more than a century ago," Eric Lee, Water and Sewer Director, said. "Today, that commitment continues to be stronger than ever."
Recently, the City of Tulsa has initiated the development of a new Source Water Protection Plan specifically for the Eucha-Spavinaw Watershed. The goal is to formulate a strategic approach by integrating efforts from various stakeholders who have vested interests in the health and sustainability of Lakes Eucha and Spavinaw. This comprehensive plan intends to provide a blueprint for actions that the City, among others, can take to ensure the provision of a consistent, high-quality drinking water supply for the upcoming decades.
Tulsa's water program is nationally acclaimed, having been awarded the Exemplary Source Water Protections Award by the American Water Works Association in 2019. City biologists, chemists, and data analysts work meticulously to collect and analyze over 100,000 water samples from the Spavinaw-Eucha lake systems annually, helping to maintain the water quality at an exceptional standard. "Each year, City biologists, chemists and data analysts collect and analyze more than 100,000 water samples for the Spavinaw-Eucha lake systems to help ensure high-quality source water," Lee said.
Furthermore, the City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority (TMUA) continue to invest in conservation easements and collaborate with landowners within the watershed. These efforts aim to diminish nutrient runoff into the lakes by promoting best management practices. The City also acquires conservation land around its water-supply lakes, fostering the preservation of natural landscapes and curtailing developments that may jeopardize water quality. More than 5,150 acres in the Eucha-Spavinaw watershed are now under conservation easements, thanks to Tulsa's investment, reinforcing the City's commitment to the protection of its water resources for its residents' benefit.
