Water Research

The Oka' Institute is commitment to science-based water research is an important step towards addressing the global water crisis. By conducting research that is grounded in scientific principles, the Oka' Institute can provide valuable insights into the complex nature of water systems. This research can help identify areas of concern, as well as potential solutions that are tailored to specific regions and communities.

With the partnership of the Chickasaw Nation, City of Ada, United States Geological Survey, and East Central University, the Oka' Institute is able to provide sound research that can be used to inform policy decisions and guide conservation efforts.

Eastern ASA Hydrology Study

Oklahoma's landowners and other stakeholders have worked to preserve the Arbuckle-Simpson’s water supply and promote economic growth through sustainable water practices. Based on those needs, Oka’ is facilitating an interest-driven study. The Eastern ASA Hydrology study is a five million dollar study to be conducted over an eight-year time period. This study will build on the Phase One study which determined the maximum annual yield for the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer. This project will be comprised of three parts. The first two steps will be the concentrated monitoring of springs, streams, wells and a look into the hydrological framework. Lastly, the data collected will be compiled to create a hydrological model for the aquifer. With the advancements in the technology of hydrological modeling, we expect this study to be of the highest quality. This data will serve as the definitive tool for all stakeholders who rely on this aquifer for water.

LA-ASR Enhanced Aquifer Recharge

Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) has been studied and implemented at many locations around the nation. Enhanced Aquifer Recharge is a unique application of ASR, focused around a rural landscape management approach to enhance natural infiltration process and re-purpose storm flow to groundwater and baseflow enhancement. The City of Ada is partnering with the Chickasaw Nation, Oka' Institute, and Oklahoma State University looking at EAR as a cost-effective way to preserve the city's water supply. Other cities have projects in place to treat water supply and return it to the ground for later use. A water treatment plant, installing pipe and other equipment for this kind of water reuse is too expensive for a small city like Ada. An alternative is E.A.R. The Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center has provided technical assistance and the city has installed small leaky pond structures connected to naturally occurring faults in the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer to capture rainstorm runoff. This runoff should go back into the aquifer to recharge and enhance streams and springs flow. The research partnership developed in this area addresses critical research needs for Oklahoma and the nation, as well as providing a unique opportunity for ECU undergraduate and graduate students to collaborate, through Oka’s research activities, with future employers and world-class scientists.