Cedar Lake Residents Demand State Action Over Disputed Dams
- mike33692
- 21 hours ago
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Cedar Lake Residents Demand State Action Over Disputed Dams And Falling Water Levels
Dozens of Cedar Lake residents packed an Oklahoma Water Resources Board meeting Tuesday, demanding state officials order the removal of dams they say have dramatically lowered the lake's water level and left some homeowners without drinking water.
Residents accused the board of failing to act after alleging that several dams were built without the proper permits on streams feeding Cedar Lake, located about 45 miles west of Oklahoma City. The dispute has become one of the latest high-profile water rights battles in Oklahoma, where homeowners say declining water levels are threatening both property values and public safety.
Cedar Lake Residents Say Dams Are Drying Up Their Community
Wearing stickers reading "Got Water? We Don't"Â and "Save Cedar Lake. Vote No!", residents filled the boardroom to protest a proposed agreement that would have allowed the dams to remain while additional reviews took place.
Homeowners say the dams have significantly reduced water flowing into Cedar Lake, leaving boat docks stranded on dry ground and causing some private wells to run dry.
Attorney Tim Sowecke, representing the residents, argued that the dams are unpermitted and are "illegally holding water" that should be flowing into the lake.
He also warned that one of the structures has been classified as a high-hazard dam, meaning its failure could pose a serious threat to people and property downstream.
Sowecke urged the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to require two of the dams to immediately release water while the dispute is resolved.
Additional information about Oklahoma dam safety regulations is available through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Property Owners And Ranch Representatives Disagree
The proposed agreement involves C&F Ranch and Coffee Grounds LLC, managed by former Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, who now serves as a senior legal consultant for the Senate Republican Caucus.
Coffee said in a statement that his family retained two engineering firms and legal counsel after learning of the concerns.
"Our family has retained two engineering firms, and a lawyer to guide us in these matters," Coffee said, adding that because legal matters remain pending, he would not discuss the issue publicly.
Attorney George Corbyn, representing the ranch owners, told board members the dams were properly constructed and safe.
"These dams are good dams," Corbyn said. "They're solid dams. They're well constructed dams."
The comments prompted emotional reactions from residents in attendance, with several shouting, "Where is the water?" and "Water is life."
The dispute has drawn significant public attention because it involves questions about Oklahoma water law, private property rights and state oversight of dam construction.
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board Dam Safety Program outlines permitting requirements and dam classifications.
Board Delays Decision Until September
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board initially attempted to enter executive session.
However, according to Oklahoma Voice, that plan changed after concerns were raised that an executive session was not listed on the published meeting agenda and could violate the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act.
Instead, board members voted to table the issue until their September meeting, delaying any decision on whether changes will be required.
For Cedar Lake resident Anneliese Herren, the delay means continued uncertainty.
She told board members she has already paid approximately $1,100 to have water delivered to her home 11 separate times because her well has gone dry.
"Everybody here either has no water, their well has been dried up, or very little water," Herren said.
The meeting highlighted growing frustration among Cedar Lake property owners, who say they simply want enough water restored to protect their homes, livelihoods and community while the state determines whether the dams comply with Oklahoma law.
More information about public meeting requirements can be found through the Oklahoma Attorney General's Open Meeting Act Guide.
SOURCE: Oklahoma Voice -rewritten for SEO and clarity.