By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Anyone interested in learning about rain barrels in the home landscape can do so at an upcoming Fundamentals for Rain Barrels presentation in April. “Rainwater harvesting is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly practice for consumers,” said Qing Luo, Oklahoma State University associate professor and OSU Extension landscape architecture specialist. “It’s a great way to conserve water, which can cut down on your utility bill. It also can help reduce the demand…

By Gail Ellis By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahomans in rural areas and small towns are searching for funding to support water and wastewater infrastructure. According to Kevin Wagner, director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Center, more than $80 billion is needed to ensure the state has adequate drinking water and wastewater systems now and in the future. “Almost half of the 800 water supply systems in Oklahoma collectively serve less than 5% of…

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – For rural residents who rely on their own wells for household use, testing is often the only line of defense in protecting families and animals from unsafe drinking water. Individual well systems that populate Oklahoma’s rural landscape can potentially run dry, become contaminated from a flood or nearby septic system, or contain harmful levels of nitrates and minerals. Oklahoma State University Extension supports research conducted by faculty and scientists at the Oklahoma…