Conserving the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer

What Is an Aquifer?

Think of every lake you’ve ever been to. Now imagine that lake deep underground. That’s an aquifer: an underground layer of permeable rock that holds groundwater. Every stream, creek, lake and rainfall event can recharge these groundwater resources with water percolating through the layers of the earth until they reach underground basins. Aquifers store groundwater until it resurfaces through rivers, streams, seeps and springs.

Everything is connected. The health of the land above and upstream of the aquifer is tied to the health of the aquifer itself. And the health of the aquifer is fundamental for determining the quality and quanity of groundwater available for people and nature to use. 

Protecting the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer for More Than 20 Years

In 1994, Buddy Smith generously gifted 2,174 acres to The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma (TNC) to be protected in its natural state. Years later, an additional 686 acres were donated bringing the total acreage to 2,860. This acreage is now the Pontotoc Ridge Preserve, a prime example of healthy, natural, crosstimbers, bottomland hardwood forest, limestone outcrop and prairie landscape. This preserve is also home to high quality springs, seeps and streams that provide a critical recharge source to the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer.

TNC, along with the help of the Chickasaw Nation, Veolia Water, Dolese Bros. Co. and many others, purchased 3,600 acres nearby along two miles of the upper Blue River. This area, now known as the Oka’ Yanahli Preserve, meaning “flowing water” in Chickasaw, protects the headwaters of the Blue River as well as, two miles of its banks, ensuring lasting protection for one of only two free-flowing rivers in Oklahoma.

The Blue River accounts for 54 percent of the discharge from the eastern portion of the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer and provides the drinking water for the City of Durant, which is ranked the fastest growing rural city in Oklahoma. A growing population dramatically increases the demand for water and places additional strain on the aquifer.

Due to this growing demand, Senate Bill 288, passed in May 2003, imposes a moratorium on the issuance of any temporary groundwater permit for municipal or public water supply use. SB 288 also adds a requirement for approval: the OK Water Resources Board must find that the proposed use is not likely to degrade or interfere with springs or streams flowing from the aquifer. The legislation sets a new precedent in the permit approval process.

“Chickasaw people have recognized the beauty and significance of the Blue River for more than 160 years. We are pleased to work with The Nature Conservancy to preserve the beautiful Oka’ Yanahli Preserve for generations to come,” says Governor Bill Anoatubby, Chickasaw Nation.