Gov. Fallin urges Oklahomans to conserve water

Gov. Mary Fallin says Oklahomans should implement water conservation practices as drought and dry conditions continue in the state.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says more than 64 percent of Oklahoma remains in a drought. Those conditions will affect water availability throughout the state, particularly in southwestern Oklahoma where sustained, exceptionally dry conditions have led to record low lake levels along the Red River.

Fallin says low water levels are impacting the state's economy and are particularly harmful to communities that rely on Oklahoma lakes for tourism and recreation. Agriculture and energy are also affected by the water supply.

Fallin says Secretary of Energy and Environment Michael Teague is working with the state's water agencies to develop water reuse and recycling practices, a recommendation of the 2012 Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan.