Western Governors' Drought Forum Case Study: Efficient Water Management in the Oklahoma Panhandle

The Oklahoma Panhandle is an agriculturally-driven region that receives little annual precipitation, creating a dependence on groundwater drawn from the Ogallala Aquifer. Panhandle agricultural producers deal with a public perception of unchecked water use that threatens the environment and future economy of the region. Through the creation of the Panhandle Regional Water Plan and the adoption of efficiency measures to gauge municipal, agricultural and energy sector water use, the region will continue to preserve the life of the aquifer upon which its economy relies. This case study was presented at the Western Governors' Drought Forum meeting in Norman, Oklahoma.