SB 259 - Oklahoma Groundwater Use and Monitoring

• All permitted groundwater wells must be equipped with water flow meters or alternative measuring systems by August 1, 2026, with data transmitted to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board annually for use in annual usage reports.

• The Board must establish a statewide metering phase-in schedule to ensure compliance within eight years of the bill's effective date, with rules and procedures due to the Legislature by February 1, 2026.

• Permit holders must report annual water usage by January 31 each year; willful failure to report may result in penalties, fines, or permit cancellation, and conservation practices cannot result in future permit reduction.

• The Board is authorized to investigate waste complaints in collaboration with local groundwater irrigation districts and impose progressive fines and penalties based on severity and frequency of violations, with suspension or revocation of permits for multiple infractions.

• Appropriates $1,500,000.00 to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support water monitoring duties and becomes effective November 1, 2025.