Guymon and Mark DeLeon Receive Statewide Water Conservation Awards

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board, acting on behalf of Governor Kevin Stitt, recognized two local efforts that state officials said advance water use efficiency and conservation across Oklahoma. The City of Guymon received the Water for 2060 Excellence Award for its Mesa Well Project, while Mark DeLeon of Beckham County was honored for his work adopting precision irrigation and helping form a model local water district.

Guymon’s Mesa Well Project represents a multifaceted infrastructure investment intended to secure long term supply for the Oklahoma Panhandle. The city tapped deeper aquifers, installed automated monitoring and high efficiency pumps, and completed a 17 mile transmission line to link new capacity into the existing system. Officials cited the project as reducing stress on aging infrastructure while increasing operational efficiency and resilience.

The project also creates technical capacity for future water reuse by allowing treated water to be safely reintroduced to the system. Guymon complemented the engineering work with public education and conservation programs, and by partnering with local industries to drive measurable water savings and promote a community culture of stewardship. Local leaders described the combination of infrastructure and outreach as central to protecting regional economic vitality and ensuring sustainable water resources for coming generations.

Mark DeLeon was singled out for on farm innovations and institutional leadership. As a board member of the North Fork Red River Conservation District he adopted precision irrigation technologies, participated in the Master Irrigator Program, and helped organize a model local water district aimed at coordinated resource management across property lines.

For Texas County residents, the awards underscore tangible steps toward reducing drought vulnerability and supporting agriculture and industry that depend on reliable water. The Mesa Well Project in particular could affect household supply reliability, industrial operations, and long term planning for growth in the Panhandle.

The recognition from the state highlights how local initiatives can align with statewide conservation goals. At the same time the scale of needs across the region raises governance and funding questions for policymakers. Sustaining progress will require continued investment, clear oversight from state agencies, and active civic engagement to ensure projects deliver measurable benefits for communities across the Panhandle and beyond.