Residents of Cedar Lake Face Declining Water Levels

Tammy Cramer recalls the summers when her grandchildren would gleefully push each other off an inflatable island into Cedar Lake. Back then, the water was so clear that they could see perch swimming below, nipping at their toes.

Now, Cramer finds herself sinking into thick, slimy muck when she steps into the lake. Her floating dock is settled on the mud and swarming with bugs. The last time her son and some of her grandchildren ventured into the water—about a year ago—they ended up getting sick. This prompted Cramer to blame the deteriorating water quality, leading her to avoid swimming altogether.

Cedar Lake is a mid-sized reservoir created in the 1950s when the Western Sportsman Club built a dam on a tributary of the Canadian River in central Oklahoma. The community surrounding the lake is small and tight-knit, with just around 400 residents as of 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Cramer appreciates the camaraderie in her neighborhood, where neighbors lend a hand to one another without seeking anything in exchange.

However, many locals now express concern that their cherished home is slowly deteriorating. Comparing images of Cramer’s dock from 2019 to 2026, it’s apparent that the lake’s water levels have dropped significantly. Other photos show docks standing far from the water’s edge, and some residents report that their wells have run dry, leaving them without essential water supply.

Residents like Cramer attribute these challenges to an unauthorized dam overseen by Glenn Coffee, a former Oklahoma Secretary of State. Coffee has been a notable figure in Oklahoma politics, holding various titles over the years.

Some residents claim that this “Coffee Dam No. 6” is withholding water that should be reaching their area. A spokesperson from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) stated that while they investigated the situation, they pointed to drought and an overstressed aquifer as factors affecting Cedar Lake. In September, the OWRB approved a consent order requiring Coffee to apply for permits for several dams, but it did little to address the residents’ immediate concerns.

The OWRB noted that their findings did not conclusively link the lowered water levels in Cedar Lake to the upstream dams. Meanwhile, hydrologist Carol Becker, who has worked in Oklahoma’s water systems for many years, concluded differently. Her report attributed Cedar Lake’s declining water levels primarily to the upstream dams, but the OWRB did not comment on her findings when approached.

Residents, like Kacee Corey, began noticing the drop in lake levels several years ago, initially dismissing it as a seasonal issue until the water around her dock dried up completely. Another resident, Belinda Smith, moved to the area seeking tranquility but found herself facing severe water shortages shortly after her arrival. Smith now has to rely on friends for water, which proves challenging given her health conditions.

An online survey cited in Becker’s report revealed that out of 63 respondents, many reported experiencing issues with their wells, especially after 2021. The OWRB began investigating complaints about Coffee Dam No. 6 in 2025 after receiving an anonymous report suggesting its removal.

The dam, built in 2019, stands around 33 feet high and can store a significant amount of water. The OWRB found no valid permits for it and has guided Coffee to file late applications or consider removing the dam.

Residents are worried about potential flooding risks associated with the dam, although the OWRB has claimed that it does not pose a safety threat. Still, some believe the lake levels have genuinely plummeted. Erik Carlson, for example, estimated the water around his property has dropped significantly, and he’s troubled by the changes he’s witnessed.

According to Becker, the dams indeed capture a considerable amount of runoff from the watershed, which may explain the alarming drop in water levels. She pointed out that as these dams retain runoff, the lake’s water volume diminishes, affecting wells in the area.

Cramer, who has a strong connection to Cedar Lake, remembers the healthy flow of the stream that once nourished the lake. Now, she believes that the water is simply not enough to counteract evaporation. The inspections by the OWRB indicated that many wells are in poor condition, raising concerns about the overall impact on the community’s water supply.

While the OWRB has suggested that the multitude of domestic wells could be a primary factor for the diminished aquifer, Becker argues that water availability for the area was stable up until the construction of the dams.

Dr. Ali Mirchi, affiliated with the Oklahoma Water Resources Center, spoke of the worrying patterns of multiple wells going dry in a short time frame. He noted that this situation demands attention. Although drought has been a consistent challenge, the residents feel that it doesn’t fully account for the drastic drops they’ve seen in recent years.

Some residents suspect that Coffee’s political connections might have influenced the handling of the situation, prompting questions about transparency and accountability in the process. Coffee has offered to support the development of a rural water district, provided residents refrain from legal action against him, which has only fueled suspicions.

As frustrations mount, many Cedar Lake residents feel uncertain about their future. Some might consider leaving, while others, like Smith, are stuck due to financial limitations. With little means to fight back, community members continue to face the grim reality of deteriorating water levels.

Cramer clings to her memories of vibrant summers spent at Cedar Lake, but now worries that those days may never return without significant changes. “If they don’t make [Coffee] do right, it’s all going to be gone,” she lamented.