Lawton's Water Security Plan Moves to Final Design Phase: What to Expect

Lawton is taking a major step toward water security this week with City Council approval of final engineering designs for a comprehensive backup water system. The project stems from the devastating 2011-2015 drought that forced strict water restrictions and dropped Lake Waurika by over 15 feet. This time, the city is prepared to build its way out of vulnerability.

The plan involves drilling three new wells into the Arbuckle-Timbered Hills aquifer at depths between 1,500 and 2,000 feet, constructing a new water treatment plant, and installing transmission infrastructure throughout the city. When fully operational, these wells could supply approximately 20 million gallons daily, which combined with Lawton’s current lake supplies of 18-20 million gallons, would give the city years of drought protection. Test wells have already exceeded expectations, producing over 2,500 gallons per minute instead of the initial projection of 650 gallons per minute, which is encouraging news for the project’s viability.

Construction timelines are aggressive but realistic. Well drilling and installation should begin within 12 months, while the water treatment plant is expected to take 24-30 months to complete. The city has already secured $14 million in federal and grant funding, with another potential $10 million appropriation pending Congressional action. For Lawton residents and business owners, this investment represents a commitment to stable, reliable water supply regardless of weather patterns. What’s your biggest question about how this new system will affect daily life in Lawton?