Arkansas is a member of two interstate water compacts. States enter into these contracts to solve problems that cross state lines. Compacts are recognized as federal law and only become effective once ratified by each member state and Congress.
Arkansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River Compact Commission
This compact provides for an equitable apportionment of the water of the Arkansas River between the States of Arkansas and Oklahoma, provides an entity for the administration of the water apportionment agreed to by the states concerned, describes which state may use specific waters, and promotes the orderly development of the river. Member states include both Arkansas and Oklahoma.
The compact also encourages the maintenance of an active pollution abatement program in each of the two states and furthers the reduction of both natural and man-made pollution in the waters of the Arkansas River Basin.
In addition, the compact facilitates cooperation between the water administration agencies of Arkansas and Oklahoma in the total development and management of water resources of the Arkansas River Basin.
Red River Compact Commission
The purpose of the Red River Compact is to promote interstate comity and remove causes of controversy between each of the affected states by governing the use, control and distribution of the interstate water of the Red River and its tributaries. Member states include Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana.
The compact is also intended to serve as a basis for state or joint planning action because it identifies and provides an equitable apportionment of water among the signatory states by defining reaches or subdivisions of the Red River. It provides an active program for water conservation, protection of lives and property from floods, improvement of water quality, and development of navigation and regulation of flows in the Red River Basin.