In 2013, Norman saw increased development activity including new residential and commercial construction. The city continued infrastructure projects and saw higher permit valuations compared to 2012. Voters approved funding to upgrade the city's wastewater treatment plant to accommodate growth. Looking ahead, Norman is working to ensure long-term water supply reliability in light of declining aquifer yields and new EPA regulations for Lake Thunderbird water quality. The city is developing a strategic water plan and will submit compliance plans to reduce pollutants entering the lake.

1. 2013 Activity
• Retail Market Analysis underway
• Comprehensive Transportation Plan nearing completion
• Increased Development at University North Park
(Residence Inn, Ashley Furniture Store)
• Continued Legacy Park Construction
• 637 lots platted in 2013, compared to 485 lots platted in 2012.
• Total valuation for all construction permitted in 2013 was $217.5 M, compared
to the 2012 value of $213 M.
• 426 single family permits issued in 2013, compared to 414 in 2012.
• Average construction value of single family permits was $224,165 in 2013,
compared to a construction value of $179,750 in 2012.
• Addition of 260 multifamily units in 2013 (total valuation: $10.6 million).
From 2007 -2011, 698 multifamily units were added. 930 units added in 2012.
• Over 1,000 multi-family units are scheduled to be added in 2014 and 2015.

2. 2013 Activity
• All 2012 Bond Projects (valued at almost $90 million) are currently
under contract for design
• 7 of the 8 projects have plans submitted to ODOT for review
• Including:
- W. Main Street Bridge - 12th SE (Cedar Lane - Hwy 9)
- Lindsey St. (24th SW to Berry) - 24th Ave SE (Lindsey – Robinson)
- Franklin Road Bridge - Cedar Lane (12th to ½ mi. east of 24th Ave.)
- 36th NW (Tecumseh - Indian Hills) - East Alameda Street Project
• Cedar Lane from 12th SE to 24th Ave. will be bid in March 2014
• Reconstruction of Main St. Overpass (estimated completion Summer 2014)
• Reconstruction of S. Hwy 9 Overpass (estimated completion June 2015)
• Reconstruction of Lindsey Street Overpass (beginning in late 2015)

3. Greatest Recent Accomplishment
Voter Approval of Funding for Additional Wastewater Reclamation
Plant Improvements
• Approved by the Norman residents (76% approval) in November 2013
Use of Funds from Rate Increase for Essential Upgrades
• Regulatory Driven
- new State environmental regulations
• Operation and Maintenance Needs
- replace outdated equipment and facility repairs
- including odor control
• Capacity Upgrades
- expansion of treatment capacity at the South Water Reclamation facility as
anticipated by the 2001 Wastewater Master Plan
- increase from 12 million gallons per day (MGD) to 17 MGD
• $63.1 million in improvements funded with a combination of available funds
and revenue bonds
• Improvements anticipated to begin in Summer 2014

4. Upcoming Challenges
Issues Facing Norman’s Future Water Supply and Water Quality
• Current yield of Lake Thunderbird may be reduced
• Garber-Wellington aquifer yield may be reduced
• Based on expected demand, there may be a shortfall of over 15 mgd in 2060
• Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Compliance
Changes Since Norman’s 2001 Water Supply Plan
● Arsenic Rule ● Additional Ground Water Rules ● Lake Thunderbird Safe Yield ● Chromium VI
● Technological Improvements ● Reuse Regulations ● Conservation
Criteria for Detailed Evaluations
● Affordability ● Long-Term Supply Reliability ● Phasing Potential ● Timely Implementation & Certainty
● Efficient Use of Water Resources ● Environmental Stewardship ● Treated Water Quality Aesthetics
● Community Values (Recreation, Aesthetics, and Property Rights)
Addressing Future Water Needs
• City is nearing finalization of a Strategic Water Supply Plan Update
• Fourteen (14) portfolio options were evaluated in the plan.
• Three (3)options from plan are being recommended:
- Maximizing Local Sources & Lake Thunderbird Augmentation (indirect potable use)
- Partnership with Oklahoma City for Raw Water
- New Groundwater wells & Lake Thunderbird Augmentation

5. Upcoming Challenges
Addressing TMDL Regulations and Requirements
• Effective November2013, the Oklahoma Department of
Environmental Quality (DEQ) completed a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
study of Lake Thunderbird.
• TMDL study determines limits of pollution (total suspended solids,
chlorophyll –a, nitrogen & phosphorus) amounts a water body can receive
without violating water quality standards.
• Results of the study concluded that Compliance and Implementation plans
should be developed to determine best management practices designed to
reduce pollutants in the next 20 years and show sustained progress toward
reduction in daily amounts of total pollutants entering Lake Thunderbird.
• TMDL Compliance Plan will be submitted to ODEQ within 24 months of EPA’s
approval of TMDL (November 2015)
• Implementation of TMDL Monitoring Plan (individual City or coordinated regional
plan) within 36 months of EPA’s approval of TMDL (November 2016)
• Promotion of LID development, increased public outreach and education could
also be used to help in reducing pollutants & establishing a cleaner water source