Water Resources Planning – Feasibility and Engineering Study
Evaluating Long-Term Water Supply Strategy for the City of Ada
Anticipated water shortages created growing concern around the City of Ada’s ability to meet long-term water demands. The City’s existing water supply is sourced from Byrd’s Mill Spring within the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer, creating the need to evaluate future water supply alternatives and long-range infrastructure planning.
Guernsey was selected to re-evaluate a 1988 Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) study focused on development of a proposed 5,000-acre reservoir west of Ada, Oklahoma, now known as Scissortail Lake. The effort required technical evaluation of the proposed lake and dam site while also reassessing other regional surface water supply alternatives.
The study was structured as a multi-phase planning and engineering effort designed to support long-term decision-making around water supply reliability, feasibility, infrastructure requirements, and regional resource planning.
Phase I: Feasibility and Fatal Flaw Evaluation
The initial phase focused on reviewing the original BOR study and evaluating the overall viability of the proposed reservoir project. Work included:
- Watershed inventory and watershed analysis
- Water quality review
- Hydraulic and hydrologic engineering studies
- Dam site stability evaluation
- Identification of potential fatal flaws
- Public involvement and stakeholder participation
No fatal flaws were identified during Phase I.
Phase II: Engineering and Infrastructure Evaluation
Following initial feasibility review, Phase II advanced the technical evaluation of the project through more detailed engineering analysis. This phase included:
- Geotechnical investigations
- Expanded hydrologic and hydraulic studies
- Conceptual design of the lake and dam
- Preliminary evaluation of the proposed water distribution system
The work helped define the engineering considerations associated with long-term development of the proposed reservoir and supporting infrastructure systems.
Phase III: Financial Feasibility Analysis
Guernsey also provided preliminary financial analysis to support local decision-makers as the City evaluated project feasibility and long-term implementation considerations.
The analysis determined the project was feasible and capable of moving forward for continued consideration and development.
Phase IV: Regional Water Resource Positioning
The final phase focused on positioning Scissortail Reservoir as a long-term regional water supply resource. Efforts included pre-marketing and regional evaluation of the reservoir opportunity as part of broader future water supply planning discussions.