Oklahoma Water Resources Center

Oklahoma Water Resources Center Strive to improve water quality and sustainable water use through research, education & training. invested in water resources research, education and outreach.

Established in 1965, the Oklahoma Water Resources Center (OWRC) is one of 54 institutes/centers in the U.S. Although headquartered at Oklahoma State University, the OWRC serves the entire state of Oklahoma. The OWRC strives to achieve high water quality and sustainable use of our region’s water through integrated programs of research, education, training and technical assistance.

Cost of overgrazing - disrupting water infiltration & soil functionGrazing pressure directly influences water movement i...
05/27/2026

Cost of overgrazing - disrupting water infiltration & soil function

Grazing pressure directly influences water movement in soil, as higher plant cover & litter allows for higher rainfall infiltration & lowered runoff. As grazing pressure increases, plant cover & litter decreases, soil structure decreases & sediment/nutrient transport during runoff increases.

Well-managed, properly-stocked grazing systems can maintain vegetation that supports infiltration, stabilizes soil moisture & supports watersheds.

Effects of management decisions such as virtual fencing, rotational grazing, prescribed fire, patch-burn grazing & more are less effective when overgrazing is still present.

Read full publication here: https://bit.ly/4eFdgqT

Did you know that a 500 square foot pool can lose between 12,000 and 31,000 gallons of water annually through evaporatio...
05/25/2026

Did you know that a 500 square foot pool can lose between 12,000 and 31,000 gallons of water annually through evaporation?

DIY Bucket Test:
– Fill your pool to standard level, turn off auto-fill devices. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with pool water, 1 inch from the top.
– Place the bucket in the pool so its water level is slightly above the pool’s and mark the water level inside and outside the bucket.
– After 24 hours, compare both levels. If the pool water dropped more than the bucket’s, you may have a leak.
– Check exactly at 24 hours for accuracy. If it rains, restart when there is a clear forecast.

Check out Oklahoma City’s Squeeze Every Drop program for more tips, how-to videos and other water conservation tips: https://bit.ly/43kojOR

Even as we approach the end of May, we are still in severe weather season. Make sure your family is prepared with emerge...
05/22/2026

Even as we approach the end of May, we are still in severe weather season. Make sure your family is prepared with emergency water supplies today! Clean drinking water is one of the most important resources to have during a disaster.

Here are a few simple tips to help before an emergency:
- Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, 3 gallons per person minimum is recommended
- Disinfect any stored or non-public water particularly home well water
- Use safe containers like food-grade plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal

Remember: Boiling is the safest method to disinfect water.

To learn more about emergency water supplies visit: https://bit.ly/44eJjbu

It is important to understand the connection between healthy soil and water. Water is essential for healthy soils, which...
05/20/2026

It is important to understand the connection between healthy soil and water. Water is essential for healthy soils, which then support plant growth, nutrient availability and improved production.

Here are key steps to build and maintain healthy garden soil:
- Know your soil texture (sand, silt, clay) and water accordingly
- Test soil pH and nutrient levels regularly
- Add compost or aged manure to boost organic matter
- Use non-contaminated water to avoid further pollution
- Avoid overwatering to prevent runoff

To learn more about managing soil and water for a better garden visit: http://bit.ly/3UNGGYz

Cover crops can aid in managing soil salt levels & protecting yields by limiting evaporation & improving drainage – keep...
05/18/2026

Cover crops can aid in managing soil salt levels & protecting yields by limiting evaporation & improving drainage – keeping salts from raising to the surface to runoff into local waterways & improving drainage to help salt move away from the root zone of crops.

Environmental impacts include improved soil stability & conservation, reduced nutrient leeching & limited pollution to nearby waterways. Potential management practices to limit soil salinity include strategic use of cover crops, mapping salt concentrations, precision irrigation & monitoring.

The Conjunctive Freshwater Saltwater Management project monitors salinity levels in multiple rivers in southwest Oklahoma, the majority of them affected by naturally occurring salinity. Learn more about this project here: https://bit.ly/3QzmOG0

Our RegenAg project explores regenerative practices, such as cover crops, effect on water infiltration, quality and runoff. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4ewkBWL

As summertime fires begin, remember that burning trash in your back yard carries a variety of risks including health con...
05/15/2026

As summertime fires begin, remember that burning trash in your back yard carries a variety of risks including health concerns, danger of spreading wildfires, and possible pollution of water – among other issues.

Pollutants in the trash, when burned, can be carried by winds; deposited into waterbodies, soil or groundwater; and can mix with rainwater when airborne. These pollutants can then be ingested by animals directly or through feed and passed to humans through consumption.

Learn more about backyard burning here: http://bit.ly/4nzU9jd

Clay minerals and soil carbohydrates interact and create high energy molecular bonds that trap and preserve deep soil mo...
05/13/2026

Clay minerals and soil carbohydrates interact and create high energy molecular bonds that trap and preserve deep soil moisture. These interactions hold 5 times more water than bare soil and provide "heat-resistant" water that remains in soil as temperatures rise.

Increase soil carbohydrates (organic matter) with cover crops, livestock integration or other regenerative management practices. Added soil moisture can help protect soil structure during drought and improve water availability.

To learn more about mechanisms of water retention at carbohydrate-clay interfaces visit this publication: https://bit.ly/4ePIJGN

Our RegenAg project explores regenerative practices, such as cover crops, effect on water infiltration, quality and runoff. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4ewkBWL

Congratulations Dr. Mirchi! Dr. Ali Mirchi, Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering Associate Professor & Oklahoma Water R...
05/12/2026

Congratulations Dr. Mirchi!

Dr. Ali Mirchi, Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering Associate Professor & Oklahoma Water Resources Center Associate Director, was one of 84 individuals completing the LEAD21 Leadership-Development Program. Mirchi spent the past year building leadership skills through collaboration, communication & change management, designed to develop leaders who connect research academics & extension to lead more effectively in a complex world.

Learn more about the LEAD21 program here: www.lead-21.org

Did you know that nanoplastics are more dangerous than microplastics?Nanoplastics are plastic pollution fragments smalle...
05/11/2026

Did you know that nanoplastics are more dangerous than microplastics?

Nanoplastics are plastic pollution fragments smaller than 1 micrometer that pollute waterways and are easily ingested by fish. They are internalized and taken up into fish's intestinal cells and once inside, target lysosomes, the organelles responsible for digesting waste and recycling cellular material.

The danger of nanoplastics isn't just in presence, but also quantity. Research showed nanoplastics accumulate inside the fish's gut lining in a "dose-dependent manner" meaning the more plastic there is in the water, the more ends up physically lodged inside the fish's cellular tissue.

To learn more about microplastics and nanoplastics visit: https://bit.ly/4dWxagP

Today is the last day of Drinking Water Week, so we are highlighting how to ensure you are staying hydrated while workin...
05/08/2026

Today is the last day of Drinking Water Week, so we are highlighting how to ensure you are staying hydrated while working out.

When evaluating how much water to drink, you need to consider the amount of water required for your general body needs plus additional water needed for your training. It is important to consume this water before, during and after exercise.

Before exercise, drink 16-24 fluid ounces within 2 hours and 7-10 fluid ounces within 10-20 minutes of activity. During exercise, drink 6-12 fluid ounces every 10-20 minutes – drink beyond your thirst!

After exercise, you can subtract your body weight after activity from your body weight before activity and drink 16-24 fluid ounces of water per every 1lb lost. This is especially important for hot & humid climates, in extreme cold weather training, individuals with high sweat rates or high altitudes.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4cFX5Iv

Are you drinking enough water?As Drinking Water Week continues, we’re highlighting how hydration plays an important role...
05/07/2026

Are you drinking enough water?

As Drinking Water Week continues, we’re highlighting how hydration plays an important role in blood sugar balance. Dehydration can raise blood sugar by concentrating glucose, while high blood sugar increases urination and fluid loss. People with diabetes don't need more water than others but should be extra careful to stay hydrated.

To learn more about diabetes and hydration visit: http://bit.ly/48IQ1Jm

Check back tomorrow as we take a closer look at working out and staying hydrated.

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