Tulsa World: Congress approves Lake Thunderbird legislation

Tulsa World - The Associated Press

Congress has passed legislation that may help boost the water supply in Lake Thunderbird.

The legislation was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Tom Cole and was carried in the Senate by U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe. The resolution allows the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District to tap into the Atoka line that runs near Lake Thunderbird. The Norman Transcript reports that this raw water source can be used to help raise water levels in Lake Thunderbird during drought conditions.

Lake Thunderbird serves as the primary drinking water source for Norman.

Norman Mayor Cindy Rosenthal said she's grateful Congress passed the legislation allowing supplemental water for the area. But she said the city will still have to consider conservation measures as extended drought conditions are predicted.