Oklahoma’s largest water project breaks ground on 100-mile pipeline
(UI) — Construction has begun on a key segment of the Second Atoka Pipeline, a 100-mile water transmission project designed to strengthen Oklahoma City’s long-term water supply and improve system reliability.
STV, which is providing design and construction management services for the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust, is overseeing a 15-mile section between the Coalgate and Stonewall pump stations. The project is part of what officials describe as the largest municipal water infrastructure investment in Oklahoma history.
The expansion includes installation of a new 72-inch steel pipeline alongside the existing 60-inch Atoka pipeline, which currently supplies about 70% of Oklahoma City’s drinking water. Once complete, the new pipeline will increase capacity and add redundancy to the regional water system.
To reduce impacts on communities and the environment, the project will use trenchless construction methods for more than 3,600 linear feet of tunneling beneath streams, highways and rail corridors. STV is also providing engineering, surveying, utility coordination, environmental compliance and construction management services, including oversight of 16 active tunneling operations.
Richard Taylor, construction management lead at STV, said the project is designed to improve the resilience of Oklahoma City's water system while minimizing disruptions during construction.
“This project is about building resilience into Oklahoma City’s water system,” Taylor said. “We’re using construction methods that help keep highways open, protect natural resources and connect communities while building infrastructure that will support future water needs.”
The pipeline is expected to be completed in 2028 and will initially deliver up to 90 million gallons of water per day. Multiple new pump stations will support the system, which is intended to meet projected demand through 2060.
Andrew Mishler, a civil engineer with the City of Oklahoma City, said the project is a long-term investment in the region’s infrastructure.
“Strong communities depend on systems that are planned, managed and delivered with intention,” Mishler said. “This project will help support growth and reliability for years to come.”
The Second Atoka Pipeline is a central component of the city’s long-term water strategy and is intended to improve drought resilience while supporting future population and economic growth.
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