The Cross Section Newsletter:(A news publication of the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1) July 2024
In this edition of news from HPWD:
- 4-H Tier I Water Ambassador Leadership Academy Visit
- Candidate Filing Starts July 20 for Precinct 3 and 4 Elections
- Best Wishes in Retirement, Ray Eads
- Conservation-Every Drop Counts!
- Waste Reminder
- Upcoming Events
- Texas Water News and Drought Updates
4-H Tier I Water Ambassador Leadership Academy Visit
The Tier 1 4-H Water Ambassadors visited Lubbock on June 13. HPWD staff members Billy Barron, Agatha Dettle, Jennifer McClendon, and Vance Porter hosted the group at the Fibermax Center for Discovery. The students observed a center pivot operating at the site. Billy Barron demonstrated the equipment HPWD uses to measure water wells, and a flow test was conducted at the irrigation system. In addition, Jennifer McClendon and Agatha Dettle educated the students about our main aquifer: The Ogallala. To demonstrate the effects of pumping, each student assembled an aquifer model. The group also discussed the importance of conservation and how Texans rely on groundwater. The students had the opportunity to explore some of the museum's water pump exhibits and the history of groundwater in our area.
Each year, high school-age youth are selected to join the program, which provides knowledge of managing water resources in Texas. HPWD is proud to be among the supporters of the Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors program. HPWD grant funds were used to help cover the June 9th-15th Tier I tour for (25) new ambassadors and (5) adult chaperones.
There are six 4-H Water Ambassadors for 2024-25 that are in HPWD:
Tier 1: Johan Grotegut (Deaf Smith County), Creed Miller (Randall County), and Garrett Sanders (Lynn County)
Tier 2: Wyatt Beauchamp (Parmer County) and Lynnlea Johnson (Swisher County)
Tier 4: C.W. Johnson, (Swisher County)
The water ambassadors commit to a minimum of forty (40) hours of education and service during the next twelve months. To learn more about the 4-H Water Ambassadors program, click here: texas4hwaterambassadors.com
Candidate Filing Starts July 20 for Precinct 3 and 4 Elections
Candidates for Precinct 3 & 4 District Directors of the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 (HPWD) can file applications for place on the ballot beginning July 20, 2024, and ending at 5 p.m., August 19th, 2024.
- District Director Precinct Three includes all of Bailey County, the portion of Castro County within HPWD, and all of Parmer County. Tony Beauchamp is the current director.
- District Director Precinct Four includes the portions of Armstrong, Deaf Smith, Potter, and Randall Counties within HPWD. Lynn Tate is the current director.
Candidates for HPWD District Director must meet all eligibility requirements found in Chapter 141.001 of the Texas Election Code.
An eligible candidate must:
1. Be a United States citizen;
2. Be 18 years of age or older;
3. Be a registered voter of the District by the August 19th filing deadline;
4. Have not been determined by a final judgment of a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be:
a. Totally mentally incapacitated or:
b. Partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote;
5. Have not been finally convicted of a felony from which the person has not been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities;
6. Have resided continuously in the state for 12 months and in the territory from which the office is elected for six (6) months preceding the August 19th filing deadline; and
7. Satisfy any other eligibility requirements prescribed by law for the office.
The candidate packet and additional election information are available on our website (hpwd.org/elections) or by calling the district office at (806)762-0181.
Best Wishes in Retirement, Ray Eads!
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Ray Eads began working for the district on October 1, 2012. He has dedicated over 11 years of service as a Field Technician in our Canyon office, ensuring quality service and promoting water conservation. We wish him all the best as he phases into retirement!
Conservation-Every Drop Counts!
Low Flow Shower Head – Replacing your regular shower head with this low flow design can reduce your usage.Rain/Sprinkler Gauge – Measure the water applied to your yard to ensure it receives the proper amount. Water Bottle - Refillable water bottles reduce the number of glasses to wash. Keep your water bottle in the refrigerator to keep it cold. Leak Detector Tablets - Drop one in the toilet tank. If the dye shows up in the bowl, you’ve got a silent leak that needs to be repaired. Shower Timer - Take a 5-minute shower. Be aware of your water use!
Summertime is the time for vacations and fun; however, it also usually means record temperatures, limited rainfall, and peak water demands. HPWD wants to help address water conservation issues. We are offering a FREE conservation kit. Come by our office and get yours today!
Sign up for Water My Yard for FREE to determine how much water plants need based on local weather conditions. hpwd.org/water-my-yard
What steps can you take to conserve water in your home?
Waste Reminder
Check your irrigation system to verify that your water is going on the lawn and not your sidewalk, driveway, or streets. Overspray is a major cause of water waste.
Upcoming Events
Texas Water News and Drought Updates
- "Old pipes cause Texas cities to lose tens of billions of gallons of water each year." Story by Juan Salinas II, The Texas Tribune.
- The drought conditions map and the monthly outlook are updated.