In this edition of news from HPWD:

• Annual County Advisory Committee Meeting
• Proposed Desired Future Conditions (DFCs)
• Public Hearing for the Desired Future Conditions (DFCs)
• Board Awards 2026 Research & Demonstration Funds
• AgriLife Rainwater Harvesting Program - HPWD donates Rain Barrels
• Conservation Reminder
• Waste Reminder
• Administratively Complete Permit Applications
• Upcoming Events
• Texas Water News and Drought Update

Annual County Advisory Committee Meeting

On April 9, 2026, HPWD held its annual County Advisory Committee Meeting at the FiberMax Center for Discovery in the Plains Cotton Growers Conference Center. Thirty‑three county advisory committee members attended, along with all HPWD Board members and staff, as well as four guests.

Presentations were delivered on the following topics:

• 2026 Water Level Observations
• 2025 Irrigation Assessment Program
• Legislative Updates
• Permitting Statistics and Analysis
• Aquifer Comingling
• Dockum Aquifer Study

Proposed Desired Future Conditions (DFCs)

Proposed DFCs Adopted in Groundwater Management Area #2 (GMA#2)

Since 2010, Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs) have been required to adopt Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) for relevant aquifers every five years. GMA #2 adopted the proposed DFCs at the March 25, 2026, meeting in Plains, Texas. Texas law requires a public comment period of at least 90 days for proposed DFCs, and districts must conduct a public hearing during that time. Comments relating to the proposed DFCs may be submitted by email or delivered to the district office at 2930 Ave. Q, Lubbock, TX  79411. The proposed DFCs adopted for GMA #2 and the draft explanatory report are now available for review and comment.

Notice to Districts of Proposed DFCs in GMA#2GMA#2 Draft Explanatory Report for Proposed DFCs

Proposed DFCs Adopted in Groundwater Management Area #1 (GMA#1)

GMA#1 adopted the proposed DFCS on February 24, 2026.

Resolution with Proposed DFCs in GMA #1GMA#1 Draft Explanatory Report for Proposed DFCs

In accordance with the Texas Water Code, the HPWD Board of Directors is seeking public comment on these proposed DFCs for GMAs 1 & 2.

Time Line Flow Chart for DFC Joint Planning

Public Hearing for the Desired Future Conditions (DFCs)

The Board will receive public comment on the proposed DFCs for relevant aquifers in GMA 1 and GMA 2. 

The Board will conduct a public hearing to receive in‑person comments on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., prior to the regular monthly Board of Directors meeting, at the HPWD Office, 2930 Avenue Q, Lubbock, Texas.

 Board Awards 2026 Research  & Demonstration Funds

Funding for water‑related research, demonstration, and education projects was approved by the High Plains Water District (HPWD) Board of Directors at the March 10 regular meeting.

HPWD has supported water conservation research and educational initiatives for many years. For the 2026 funding cycle, 14 proposals were received. An eight‑member review committee—consisting of three HPWD Board members, two County Advisory Committee members, two public representatives, and the General Manager—evaluated each submission.

Of the proposals received, 10 projects were approved for funding totaling $195,347:

• Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors Program
• Ogallala Commons Playa Field Days and Festivals
• Water Use and Quality: Assessment and Screenings for Private Wells Across Castro, Lamb, and Hale Counties
• Measuring Irrigation and Soil Moisture in the RACE Trials: Advancing Water Use Efficiency
• City of Sundown Library – Eco-Flow Monarch Plaza
• Increasing Water Use Efficiency at the Texas A&M Research & Extension Center (LREC)
• Highland Springs Village – Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
• Genetic and Water Management Technologies for High-Quality Corn Silage Production in the Texas High Plains – Year 1
• Wayland Baptist University – Prayer Garden Soil Cistern for Groundwater Conservation, Baseflow, and Recharge Demonstration
• Playa Watershed Restoration and Engagement at LISD AgriSTEM – Year 1

These projects reflect HPWD’s ongoing commitment to advancing water conservation and supporting innovative research throughout the region.
Annual Reports (2021–2025) with information on HPWD’s funded Research and Demonstration projects are available here.

AgriLife Rainwater Harvesting Program 

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Kristie Keys, serving Castro, Hale, and Lamb counties, hosted a Rainwater Harvesting Program in Abernathy, Texas, on March 11, 2026. HPWD supported the event by providing rain barrels for attendees.

Presentations were delivered by:

1. Jennifer McClendon, HPWD Education Coordinator. 
   "The Current Water Situation" -an overview of regional water challenges and conservation needs.
2. Vikram Baliga, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Outreach & Engagement, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University.
    "Rainwater Capture 101" – practical guidance on designing and using rainwater harvesting systems.
3. Blayne Reed, Integrated Pest Management Agent, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (Hale & Swisher Counties)
   "Mosquito Control" – best practices for preventing mosquito issues around rain barrels and outdoor water sources.

Collecting rainwater is an excellent way to reduce reliance on municipal and groundwater supplies. Systems can range from simple to advanced, such as gutter‑fed tanks that hold 50 to 5,000 gallons or more. Passive collection is also effective—features like shallow depressions, rain gardens, or bioswales help capture and slow runoff in the landscape.

Did you know? A 1,000‑square‑foot roof provides over 600 gallons of water during a one‑inch rainfall.

To estimate your own potential, use this simple formula: Roof area (sq ft) × 0.623 = gallons collected in a 1‑inch rain

Visit our website for more information on Rainwater Harvesting.

Conservation Reminder

Water‑Wise Landscaping & Irrigation

As we head into spring, outdoor water use begins to climb — and by summer, most of it goes straight toward lawns and landscaping. That’s why early‑season irrigation habits matter. Using water efficiently now helps set the stage for healthier plants and reduces water use throughout the hotter months.

To support smart watering year‑round, the High Plains Water District offers the Water My Yard program, which provides personalized watering recommendations based on local weather conditions. You can also explore our Water Wise Landscaping tips to create a beautiful, drought‑friendly yard that thrives in our region’s climate.

Waste Reminder

Water waste is prohibited pursuant to Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code and HPWD rules.  What exactly counts as “waste”? This month, we’re highlighting Chapter 36.001(8)(D), which defines waste as:

(8)(D) pollution or harmful alteration of groundwater in a groundwater reservoir by saltwater or by other deleterious matter admitted from another stratum or from the surface of the ground; 

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

View the HPWD Calendar of events.

 Texas Water News and Drought Updates 

Texas Data Center Growth in Texas. A study by the Houston Advanced Research Center:

Thirsty-Data-Water-Use-and-The-Projected-Data-Center-Boom-in-Texas.pdf

• Texas leaders working to protect, plan state's future water needs
• AI Data Centers' Effects on Texas Groundwater Raises Bipartisan Concerns 
• The drought conditions map and monthly outlook have been updated.