The Arkansas River is an iconic feature of Tulsa, cutting across downtown and winding through the west side of the city. But it has a bad reputation.

The Tri-State Mining District in northeastern Oklahoma’s Ottawa County was once the world’s largest source of lead and zinc. The mines had closed by the 1970s, but pernicious pollution still plagues what is now known as the Tar Creek superfund site.

Norman isn’t the only city that relies on Lake Thunderbird for its water, and Midwest City and Del City would also need to be behind the plan before it goes before the Department of Environmental Quality for approval.

But Krehbiel reports, since that time, the GRDA has been buying new water testing equipment.

The six eastern Oklahoma waterways classified as scenic rivers are each examples of the pristine beauty of that part of the state.

Nine streams and creeks are coming off the federal government’s list of impaired waters.