Oklahoma Code § 82-1085.17

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State of Oklahoma
to encourage and promote the optimum development and utilization of
all feasible reservoir sites or areas within this state which may be
suitable and usable for the conservation storage of the waters of
this state by the construction or enlargement of dams, reservoirs or
other structures.  It is the purpose of this act to provide or
assist in providing for the acquisition, development and utilization
of storage and control facilities of the waters of this state for
the use and benefit of the public and for the conservation and
distribution of water for useful purposes in or from reservoirs or
other storage facilities constructed, or hereafter constructed,
modified or enlarged, within the State of Oklahoma by the United
States of America or the State of Oklahoma or any agency,
department, subdivision or instrumentality thereof, for the
following and specific reasons and benefits for the general welfare
and the future economic growth of the state:
1.  Multiple-purpose dam and reservoir sites are very limited in
number and not replaceable.
2.  Water management in Oklahoma requires the storage of water
during periods of surplus supply for use during periods of short
supply.
3.  Most reservoir sites in Oklahoma will have a useful life of
seventy-five to several hundred years.  Therefore, it is imperative
that the reservoir sites be developed to the full potential of the
site and the net water yield of the drainage area after all present
and future needs and beneficial uses of water are satisfied above
said site.
4.  The conservation of soil and water in Oklahoma requires the
continuation of watershed protection and flood prevention programs
on an accelerated priority basis with consideration given to future
water needs of the area.

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