OSU irrigation system will eventually use raw lake water

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Workers have started installing underground pipe that will provide irrigation to Oklahoma State University’s Stillwater campus through a system that will eventually be fed by raw or untreated water from Lake Carl Blackwell.

“Initially, these new irrigation systems will cover the entire central campus, and be connected to the domestic water supply. However, later this year, we will begin work on a raw water supply system to campus,” said Monty Karns, assistant director of Construction Services at OSU.

This raw water supply system for irrigation will consist of a new pump station near the existing water treatment plant on campus and piping to Theta Pond. OSU has contracted with Lippert Brothers Inc. to install the system.

“The irrigation system will be connected to the new raw water supply once it is completed next summer,” said Karns. “Using raw water from Lake Carl Blackwell has environmental benefits including reducing the amount of chemicals being used by our water treatment plant.”

The initial installation of the irrigation system started last week in the areas surrounding Life Sciences East and West and, once completed, the entire central campus will have an irrigation system, according to Karns.