Garver presents East Norman's water and wastewater master plans for future growth

In a pivotal meeting held at Norman City Hall, the Planning Commission delved into the future of the city’s water and wastewater systems, as presented by Cole Niblett, the Oklahoma water team leader for Garver. With a sense of urgency and responsibility, Niblett outlined the comprehensive master plans aimed at addressing the growing demands of Norman’s water supply and wastewater management over the next two decades.

Niblett began by highlighting the collaborative effort behind the plans, emphasizing the diverse expertise of the subcommittee that contributed to the project. This group, comprising professionals from academia, industry, and municipal management, worked together to create a robust strategy for Norman’s water resources.

The water master plan focuses on two main areas: enhancing water supply resources and improving the distribution system. Currently, Norman relies on three primary sources for its water: Lake Thunderbird, groundwater from the Garber Wellington Aquifer, and treated water from Oklahoma City. Niblett noted that Lake Thunderbird alone accounts for about 70% of the city’s water supply. However, projections indicate a potential gap of 9 million gallons per day in water supply by 2045, necessitating immediate action.

To address this gap, the plan proposes several cost-effective alternatives, including increasing purchases from Oklahoma City, expanding local groundwater wells, and exploring indirect potable reuse options. These strategies aim to ensure that as the population grows, the city can maintain adequate water pressure and supply for its residents.

Transitioning to the wastewater master plan, Niblett explained that it mirrors the water plan in its focus on collection systems and water reclamation. The existing wastewater infrastructure, which includes pipelines and lift stations, will need significant upgrades to handle the anticipated increase in demand. The plan suggests enhancing the current water reclamation facility rather than building new ones, as this approach is deemed more economical.

Both master plans are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for adjustments based on actual demand rather than solely on projections. This adaptability ensures that infrastructure improvements can be made in a timely manner, aligning with the city’s growth.

As the meeting concluded, the commission was left with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead for Norman’s water and wastewater systems. With these plans in place, the city is poised to meet the needs of its residents while safeguarding its vital resources for future generations.