Application Period Open For 2020 SWIFT Funding Cycle

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is now accepting applications for the 2020 funding cycle of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) program.*

Abridged applications are due by midnight on February 3, 2020, and may be submitted via the TWDB’s online application system or by paper copy. These short applications provide information the TWDB needs to complete prioritization of the projects. Projects that receive priority for financial assistance will be invited to submit a complete application, which will include a detailed financial, legal, engineering, and environmental review.

Please visit the TWDB website for more details on how to apply for the SWIFT program.

The SWIFT program helps communities develop and optimize water supplies at cost-effective rates. The program provides low-interest financing, extended repayment terms, deferral of repayments, and incremental repurchase terms for projects with state ownership aspects. It also includes additional interest rate subsidies for rural and agricultural projects. For more information on the program, please visit the SWIFT program web page.

To be eligible for SWIFT program financial assistance, projects must be recommended in the 2017 State Water Plan.
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*The SWIFT program includes two funds, the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas (SWIRFT).

Growth stage irrigation strategies for high-yielding cotton

By Lileen Coulloudon, AgriLife Today

Cotton is sensitive to water stress at different growth stages, needing water at specific times to produce a high-yielding crop. A Texas A&M AgriLife Research study investigated the best strategies to improve irrigation water-use efficiency while maintaining high yields.

A Texas A&M AgriLife Research study looked at irrigation timing to maximize water-use efficiency and yields. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Kay Ledbetter)

“Evaluation of crop-growth-stage-based deficit irrigation strategies for cotton production in the Southern High Plains,” was authored by AgriLife Research scientists Srinivasulu Ale, Ph.D., geospatial hydrologist, and Sushil Himanshu, Ph.D., postdoctoral research associate, both in Vernon, and James Bordovsky, senior agricultural engineer, Halfway, along with and Murali Darapuneni, New Mexico State University.

The study was published in Agricultural Water Management Journal’s special issue on Managing the Ogallala.

Himanshu said the study should help farmers make better decisions that can result in higher seed cotton yields using the most efficient irrigation strategies. At the same time, these strategies will conserve the Ogallala Aquifer as a water resource for generations to come.

Researchers focused on irrigation strategies based on cotton’s five growth stages, with certain stages irrigated more and others less. The CROPGRO-Cotton module available in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer Cropping System Model was used. This crop growth-simulation model allows testing and analysis of different irrigation scenarios.

The Southern High Plains are hot, dry and often windy with water shortages due to the region’s low rainfall and reliance on underground water. Cotton-boll size and count are greatly affected by the amount and timing of irrigation as well as rainfall and air temperature.

Additionally, water districts in the area have imposed restrictions on groundwater pumping to help conserve the Ogallala Aquifer. Depletion of the aquifer has been occurring at an alarming rate since the 1950s when farmers began large-scale water pumping for crop irrigation.

“Following the suggested strategies, farmers can have better control over crop growth and yield and enhance irrigation water-use efficiency,” Ale said. “The peak bloom growth stage was found to be the most sensitive stage to water stress and imposing water deficit during this stage resulted in the lowest seed cotton yield.”

Conversely, elimination of irrigation during the early and late-season growth stages had little effect on seed cotton yield and irrigation water-use efficiency.

“We also determined that reducing early season irrigation potentially increased cotton root growth,” Bordovsky said. “This helps plants have a stronger resilience to water shortages in later growth stages and increased seed cotton yield.”

Cotton Incorporated and the Ogallala Aquifer Program funded this study.

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Dockum Aquifer study results to be discussed Dec. 5

Findings from the Summer 2019 High Plains Water District (HPWD) Dockum Aquifer study will be presented at a Dec. 5 public meeting at West Texas A&M University in Canyon. It begins at 11:00 a.m. in Room 104 of the Agricultural Sciences Complex, located at 600 WTAMU Drive.  All interested persons are invited to attend.

 Lunch will be served following the meeting. CLICK HERE TO RSVP no later than December 2.

 During the meeting, HPWD staff will provide an overview of the District’s ongoing Dockum Aquifer study. In addition, 2019 water level data, flow test results, water quality logging results, and water quality results will be discussed.

 Since 2015, HPWD has studied groundwater quality and quantity in the Dockum Aquifer, which lies beneath the Ogallala Formation in the Panhandle-South Plains area.

 Generally, groundwater in the Dockum Aquifer is of better quality in the northern HPWD service area. Dockum wells have been used for many years to supply water for irrigation, livestock, oilfield purposes, and some municipal supplies. In these instances, very little water treatment is needed. However, this groundwater becomes deeper and more brackish in southern portions of the district. As a result, more extensive treatment is needed to improve water quality.

 “As water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer decline, many landowners have expressed interest in using the Dockum as a possible alternative water supply,” said HPWD General Manager Jason Coleman. “Our goal is to gain a better understanding of the geology and hydrology of this groundwater resource for our constituents.”

 The HPWD study includes geophysical logging of Dockum wells, establishment of a Dockum water level observation well network, use of pressure transducers to monitor depth-to-water levels in select Dockum wells, and providing cost-share assistance to communities wanting to drill test wells into the Dockum Aquifer. HPWD has partnered with the Cities of Abernathy, Lubbock, and Wolfforth on test well projects.

 “We believe it is the Water District’s obligation to assist communities in their efforts to learn more about the Dockum Aquifer.  During the past few years, we have obtained valuable data from this study. The Board wants to share this information with the public whenever possible,” said HPWD Board President Lynn Tate of Amarillo.

 HPWD did not require permitting and spacing of Dockum Aquifer wells until Jan. 2009.

 “The Board of Directors is interested in knowing how this process is working for those interested in drilling Dockum wells on their property. We would value such feedback at the Dec. 5 meeting,” said Coleman.

Lt. Governor Patrick Issues Senate Interim Charges

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick issued interim charges to the 13 standing committees of the Texas Senate on Oct. 30.

There were six joint charges issued to the Natural Resources & Economic Development Committee and the Water & Rural Affairs Committee. 

The four water-related charges include:

Future Water Supply: Examine current laws, processes, and water storage options and availability. Make recommendations promoting the state's water supply, storage, availability, valuation, movement, and development of new sources.

River Authority Infrastructure: Examine the roles and responsibilities of river authorities in maintaining their managed assets including, but not limited to, dams. Evaluate the impact on the economy, water supply, and flood control due to deferred maintenance. Make recommendations to promote infrastructure stability and maintain the usability of these bodies of water.

Groundwater Regulatory Framework: Study the state's groundwater regulatory framework and make recommendations to improve groundwater regulation, management, and permitting.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committees on Natural Resources and Economic Development and Water and Rural Affairs passed by the 86th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under each committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

· Senate Bills 6, 7, 8, and 500, relating to disaster response and recovery, disaster funds, state-wide flood planning, and dam maintenance;

· Senate Bill 698, related to expedited permitting;

· Senate Bill 700, relating to water utility ratemaking reform;

· Senate Bill 2272, relating to certain amendment and revocation procedures;

· House Bill 1325, relating to the production and regulation of hemp; and

· House Bill 3557, relating to civil and criminal liability for engaging in certain conduct involving a critical infrastructure facility.

Each charge will be studied and recommendations offered before the start of the 87th Texas Legislature on Jan. 12, 2021.

District Staff Busy With October 2019 Educational Events

HPWD staff provided water conservation information to nearly 1,800 persons at 19 presentations during October 2019.  These included the annual “Ag in the Bag” event for students, Ogallala Commons playa field days, Dimmitt City Council, Levelland Lions Club, and West Texas Golf Course Superintendent Conference—just to name a few.

 “Fall is our busiest time for educational events – and this year is no exception,” said HPWD Education and Outreach Coordinator Katherine Drury.  “Most of the presentations we gave in October were for elementary school students. The presentation topics included the Ogallala Aquifer, water quality, and water conservation. In all of our youth presentations, we empower kids to take conservation in to their own hands with various tips and ideas on how they can help preserve the Ogallala Aquifer.”

HPWD Education and Outreach Coordinator Katherine Drury uses a "mini aquifer" to demonstrate groundwater contamination to elementary school students from Slaton. The students and their teacher visited the HPWD office during an Oct. 23 field trip to the HPWD office.

 HPWD staff also participated in several community events in October.

 At the Oct. 10 Hub City BBQ in Lubbock, our cooking team won fourth place in the Mystery Meat Challenge (bacon) and seventh place in desserts.  During the event, HPWD staff

provided 300 reusable bags containing water conservation tips and rain gauges to attendees.

 HPWD celebrated Fall with neighbors in the Heart of Lubbock Neighborhood (HOL). Staff provided coloring books, rain gauges and water conservation information to attendees at the Oct. 26 HOL Community Garden Harvest Festival. HPWD also donated a rainwater harvesting barrel for a raffle that raised funds for the community garden.

 HPWD offers a wide range of educational programs and materials for all water users. This includes adults, agricultural producers, businesses, homeowners, and students of all ages. 

 “If you would like a presentation about local water resources, water conservation, rainwater harvesting, or any other water-related topic, call us at (806)762-0181 or fill out our online form at www.hpwd.org/schedule-a-presentation,” said Drury.

HPWD 2019-2024 Management Plan Approved By TWDB

The High Plains Underground Water Conservation District’s (HPWD) amended management plan (2019-2024) was certified “administratively complete” and approved by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) on Oct. 25.

            All groundwater conservation district management plans must address the following goals, if applicable.

• Providing the most efficient use of groundwater;

• Controlling and preventing waste of groundwater;

• Controlling and preventing subsidence;

• Conjunctive surface water management issues;

• Natural resource issues;

• Drought conditions;

• Conservation, recharge enhancement, rainwater harvesting, precipitation enhancement or brush control, where appropriate and cost-effective; and

• Desired future conditions of aquifers adopted by the District under Chapter 36.108 of the Texas Water Code.

             The HPWD Board of Directors must review and readopt the management plan, with or without revisions, every five years as required by Texas Water Code Chapter 36.1072(e). The next plan is due to the TWDB on Oct. 25, 2024.

            The revised plan is available for viewing/downloading at www.hpwd.org/rules. Just follow the link, “Revised Management Plan (10-2019).”

Check Your Property For Open / Deteriorated Wells

October 2019 marks the 32nd anniversary of the rescue of 18-month-old Jessica McClure from an abandoned water well in Midland. The infant was trapped 22 feet below land surface for nearly 60 hours.

 With that in mind, HPWD encourages all landowners/operators to check their properties for any open, uncovered, or deteriorated wells.

 “Open, uncovered, and deteriorated wells are prohibited within the HPWD service area,” said General Manager Jason Coleman.

 He added that locating and getting these wells properly covered and/or repaired is an important duty of the HPWD staff.

 “There have been two children who have fallen into open, uncovered wells since HPWD was created in Sept. 1951.  Both children were rescued unharmed.  Proper closure of wells will help avoid dangerous situations like this in the future,” said Coleman.

 In addition to potential dangers, uncovered well openings also provide a direct conduit for contaminants to enter the groundwater stored in the Ogallala Formation.
 
“Open wells can provide tempting disposal places for anything unwanted, which can lead to serious groundwater contamination problems. Once groundwater in an aquifer is contaminated, it is extremely difficult to return it to an unpolluted state suitable for use by humans and livestock,” said Coleman.
 
Rainfall runoff can also carry pollutants into open wells, especially if the casing and pump have been removed.
 
Open wells are usually reported by telephone calls and/or emails from the public, or by HPWD personnel conducting field work.
 
Field technicians carry two sizes of well caps in their pickups. If an open, abandoned water well is located, the field technician will close the well, get a GPS reading on its location, and contact the landowner and/or operator.  The landowner/operator has the option to pay $75 for the well cap installed by HPWD or they may remove the cap and close the well themselves. In both instances, HPWD personnel return to the site to make sure the well is closed in accordance with state law and HPWD rules.

 “HPWD wants to work with landowners/operators to make sure issues with open, uncovered, and deteriorated wells are handled properly. We appreciate those who have promptly covered or repaired problem wells to preserve life and groundwater quality,” said Coleman.

 Additional information about well capping is available at http://www.hpwd.org/well-monitoring

Interactive Playa Map Now Available

Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) has launched a new interactive map and platform for conservation planning.

The interactive map allows you to explore the playa region and investigate playas, wind farms, and other features of the landscape.

Current map data include playas, playa clusters, and a suite of layers relevant to wind energy development, including current wind turbine locations based on FAA data.

Users can click on individual playas to get more information on playa size, playa condition, and the playa’s wetness frequency over time.

The PLJV probable playas dataset is a regional compilation of several original data sources including the National Wetlands Inventory, Soil Survey Geographic database, and satellite imagery.

These wetland data were analyzed for each state in the PLJV region—Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas—to create the most comprehensive playa location map possible using remote sources.

The playas layer contains locations of more than 70,000 playas across the PLJV region.

Check out the interactive map and video tutorial: at https://tinyurl.com/y65b8snk

Board Adopts 2019 Tax Rate; Management Plan

During their Sept. 10 meeting, the HPWD Board of Directors approved a resolution setting the 2019 ad valorem tax rate at $0.0063 per $100 valuation for operation and maintenance of the district.

The adopted 2019 tax rate is about 1.5 percent less than the effective tax rate. This slight reduction provides a similar amount of tax revenue as last year.

Persons with $100,000 in property value will pay $6.30 in annual taxes to HPWD under the approved rate, as compared to $6.70 in 2018. The HPWD 2019 fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

"The HPWD Board of Directors have lowered the tax rate each year since 2014. It is our priority to have balanced annual budgets. This allows us to reduce the tax rate for operation of the district, while at the same time, improve services for constituents in our 16-county service area," said Board President Lynn Tate of Amarillo.

In other business, the Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution adopting a revised 10-year management plan. A public hearing to receive comments on the plan was held prior to the Board meeting.

The revised plan has been submitted to the Texas Water Development Board in Austin for final certification.

“Groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) in Texas adopt 10-year management plans. However, they are required by state law to review and re-adopt these plans--with or without revisions--at least once every five years. The newly-adopted management plan covers the period from 2019 to 2024,” said HPWD General Manager Jason Coleman.

He added that management plans contain specific performance standards pertaining to services provided by the respective GCDs across the state.

“As an example, groundwater conservation districts make annual water level measurements in observation wells each year. Performance standards in a district’s management plan will include the number of wells measured each year; the number of wells unable to be measured each year; the number of new wells added to the observation well network each year; and how these data are shared with the public. This helps GCDs gauge the effectiveness of programs and activities they provide to their constituents,” Coleman said.

 The amended management plan is available for viewing at www.hpwd.org/rules

Sept. 25 Deadline Nears For AIM Program Applications

September 25 is the deadline to submit cost-share funding applications for the third round of the High Plains Water District's Assistance in Irrigation Management Program (AIM).

HPWD recently received $230,000 for AIM funding through the Texas Water Development Board’s Agricultural Water Conservation Grants program. This is the third year that HPWD has made these cost-share funds available to interested producers.

“AIM is a voluntary program to assist producers with the purchase price of telemetry-based irrigation monitoring systems used with either a center pivot system or subsurface drip irrigation system,” said HPWD General Manager Jason Coleman.

An online application form and procedures are available at aimapp.hpwd.org. This website also includes a link to program terms & conditions – plus essential information to be included in the application.

“This year, the allocated cost-share funding is tied to the number of irrigated acres by county within the Water District. We will evaluate the number of applications received by county at the end of the three-week application period. Any remaining funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis after that time,” Coleman said.

More than 40 producers enrolled 18,400 acres of land during the first round of the AIM Program (2017). There were 154 telemetry-based systems deployed which resulted in 13,500 acre-inches of water saved.

Of this, Coleman said 6,372 acre-inches of water was saved when producers received notification of irrigation system malfunctions; 6,029 acre-inches was saved with use of irrigation scheduling software; and 1,093 acre-inches was saved by remotely turning off equipment in response to a rainfall alert.

“During the past two years, producers have shown a great amount of interest in using telemetry-based technology to improve their irrigation scheduling,” Coleman said. “HPWD commends them for their efforts to conserve groundwater resources within the District.”

Additional information about the AIM Program is available by contacting Victoria Whitehead at (806) 762-0181 or emailing aim@hpwd.org