# Oklahoma Lawmakers Study Rural Water Upgrades

The Oklahoma Senate held an interim study on rural drinking-water reliability, water quality, and aging infrastructure, with statewide needs estimated at more than $24 billion. A proposed multi-phase treatment and infrastructure plan for Osage County Rural Water District 21, developed with the Osage Nation and the City of Pawhuska, could cost more than $20 million. No solicitation or award was announced, so the study signals potential future work rather than an active contract opportunity.

- Water-treatment, distribution-system, and infrastructure firms can use the identified needs to assess relevant capabilities for potential state or local projects.
- Companies should follow legislative-session actions and state or local funding and procurement activity connected to rural water treatment and system upgrades, as these may shape future opportunities.
- The proposed Osage County plan is a specific project area to track, but the signals provide no procurement schedule, solicitation, or award details.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- Oklahoma Senate
- Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB)
- Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
- City of Pawhuska
- Osage Nation

### Key Quotes
> Getting to the root of the problem is the only way to find a local solution that can be replicated elsewhere to make sure no other Oklahoma community goes through this again.
> — Bill Coleman, Senator

> If we want our communities to grow and remain sustainable, we must continue investing in reliable water systems.
> — Tim Turner, Representative

> If we’re serious about bringing new people and additional jobs to Oklahoma, we have to start with clean water.
> — Warren Hamilton, Senator

### Sources
- [Lawmakers Explore Solutions to Oklahoma’s Water Infrastructure Challenges | Oklahoma Senate](https://www.oksenate.gov/press-releases/lawmakers-explore-solutions-oklahomas-water-infrastructure-challenges?back=/press-releases%3Fpage%3D0) - OK
- [Lawmakers Explore Solutions to Oklahoma’s Water Infrastructure Challenges | Oklahoma Senate](https://www.oksenate.gov/press-releases/lawmakers-explore-solutions-oklahomas-water-infrastructure-challenges-0?back=/press-releases%3Fpage%3D0) - OK