In this edition of news from HPWD:

• Directors Take Oath of Office
• Annual Water Level Measurements in Progress
• Research and Demonstration Grant Applications
• Water Depletion Requests 
• Conservation Reminder
• Waste Reminder
• Administratively Complete Permit Applications
• Upcoming Events
• Texas Water News and Drought Updates

Directors Take Oath of Office

Tony Beauchamp was sworn in for a second four-year term as Precinct Three District Director, representing Bailey County, the portion of Castro County within the district, and  Parmer County.

Lynn Tate was sworn in for a fourth four-year term as Precinct Four District Director, representing the portions of Armstrong, Deaf Smith, Potter, and Randall Counties within the HPWD district. 

Directors were sworn in by the Honorable Susan Rowley, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2 in Lubbock County.

Annual Water Level Measurements in Progress

High Plains Water District field technicians are measuring annual water levels in observation wells to determine changes since last year. After each county is completed, the preliminary results will be available on our website.

 Research and Demonstration Grant Applications

The High Plains Underground Water Conservation District (HPWD) is accepting grant applications for 2025 water conservation research, demonstration, and education projects. HPWD is looking for innovative ideas that will help conserve water.  The form is available on our website here.

Proposals are due no later than Monday, February 3, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.

Water Depletion Requests

Water Depletion information has been sent to the current participants. If you receive your water depletion information by email, please look for the email from support@hpwd.org titled "Water Depletion Information." The board of directors has removed all fees associated with the water depletion program. If you have any questions, please contact Gray Sanders at gray.sanders@hpwd.org. 

Conservation Reminder

Installing a water-saving, lower-flow showerhead is an effective way to conserve water and reduce your water bill. Consider taking shorter showers, limiting them to five minutes or less.

Come by the office to get a free low-flow showerhead and shower timer!

Waste Reminder

Water waste is prohibited pursuant to Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code and HPWD rules.  What is waste?  We will examine the issue in more detail in the coming months by including citations of the law. 

According to Chapter 36.001(8)(A), waste is defined as the following:

(8)(A) Withdrawal of groundwater from a groundwater reservoir at a rate and in an amount that causes or threatens to cause intrusion into the reservoir of water unsuitable for agricultural, gardening, domestic, or stock raising purposes;

 If you need assistance or have questions about preventing water waste, contact the High Plains Water District office at (806) 762-0181.

Administratively Complete Permit Applications

  Upcoming Events

Texas Water News and Drought Updates

• The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA) is gauging landowners' interest in Playa Lake restoration. For more information on exploring restoration opportunities, visit sara-conservation.com.
• The 89th Texas Legislature reconvened on January 14. 
• The drought conditions map and the monthly outlook are updated.