Choctaw-Chickasaw Water Settlement Portal

Overview

In 2016, the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations Water Settlement was enacted by Congress as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. This historic agreement resolved long-standing disputes over water rights and regulatory authority in the tribes' historic treaty territories, spanning approximately 22 counties in south-central and southeastern Oklahoma.

The settlement established a framework for tribal sovereignty over water resources while allowing measured municipal use under strict environmental protections.

Settlement Parties

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Tribal sovereign with treaty water rights

Chickasaw Nation

Tribal sovereign with treaty water rights

State of Oklahoma

State water regulatory authority

Oklahoma City

Municipal water user (Sardis Lake storage rights)

United States

Federal trustee and settlement guarantor

Key Provisions

1Tribal Water Rights Recognition

The settlement affirms the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations' water rights within the settlement area, recognizing their authority over water resources in their historic treaty territories.

2Sardis Lake Withdrawal Restrictions

Oklahoma City acquired storage rights in Sardis Lake but withdrawals are strictly regulated to protect recreation, fish, and wildlife. Withdrawals are prohibited when the lake level falls below minimum thresholds established by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Sardis Lake Thresholds

Conservation Pool

599 ft

Min. for OKC Withdrawal

595 ft

Critical Level

589 ft

3Environmental Protections

The agreement implements robust environmental protections including minimum streamflow requirements for the Kiamichi River and other waterways, ensuring ecological health and supporting local recreation and tourism industries.

4Regulatory Framework

The settlement establishes a cooperative regulatory framework between tribal, state, and federal authorities for managing water resources across the settlement area.

Water Level Alert Thresholds

This portal uses the following thresholds to indicate water body status relative to conservation pool levels:

Normal

≥95%

At or above conservation pool

Watch

85-95%

Slightly below normal

Warning

75-85%

Below normal range

Critical

<75%

Significantly below pool

Settlement Area

The settlement covers 22 counties in southeastern Oklahoma, including:

AtokaBryanCarterChoctawCoalGarvinGradyHaskellHughesJohnstonLatimerLe FloreLoveMarshallMcClainMcCurtainMcIntoshMurrayPittsburgPontotocPushmatahaStephens