In this edition of news from HPWD:

• Annual Water Level Measurements Begin January 2nd 
• USGS Performing Aerial Survey Near Clovis
• Research and Demonstration Grant Applications
• Education Updates
• Conservation Reminder
• Waste Reminder
• Administratively Complete Permit Applications
• Upcoming Events
• Texas Water News and Drought Update

Annual Water Level Measurements Begin January 2nd 

Annual Water Level Measurement Program Begins January 2, 2026

Field Technicians will begin the annual measurement of groundwater levels in observation wells on January 2, 2026, starting in Castro, Deaf Smith, and Parmer Counties. These measurements help monitor year‑to‑year variations in water levels within the HPWD service area.

The program covers a network of approximately 1,400 privately owned wells, spaced at an average density of one well per nine square miles throughout the 16 counties served by HPWD.

Preliminary results will be posted on our website as each county’s measurements are completed, providing timely updates for landowners, stakeholders, and the public.

USGS Performing Aerial Survey Near Clovis

USGS Media Alert - USGS Low-level Airplane Surveys Begin around January 13, 2025

Low-level helicopter flights are planned over parts of eastern New Mexico in Curry and Roosevelt counties, and western Texas in Parmer and Bailey counties, to image geology and aquifers using airborne geophysical technology. The survey will begin in January 2026 and last for approximately 1-2 months, weather permitting.

The flights will be based out of Portales, New Mexico and will cover an area of about 1,300 square miles surrounding Clovis and Cannon Air Force Base. This survey will support groundwater studies of the region in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force. The new geophysical data will be processed to develop high-resolution three-dimensional representations of geology and aquifer structure to depths up to about 1,000 feet below the surface. Together with independent USGS measurements of depth to groundwater in wells, the airborne data will help to develop maps of saturated aquifer thickness.

“The 3D models and maps are important for improving our understanding of water resources, and this type of airborne survey allows us to cover large areas very effectively,” said Burke Minsley, USGS research geophysicist in charge of the airborne survey.

The USGS is contracting with Woolpert, who has subcontracted with New Resolution Geophysics to collect the data.

The survey will use a helicopter equipped with a towed “hoop” that is deployed about 100 feet (30 meters) beneath the helicopter when in flight. Instruments in the hoop will measure variations in Earth’s electrical properties and magnetic field created by different rock types.

The scientific instruments on the helicopter create no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected. The data collected will be made freely available to the public on ScienceBase once complete. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. The company works with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only.

The helicopter will fly along pre-planned fight paths relatively low to the ground at about 200 feet (60 meters) above the surface. Surveys do not occur over densely populated areas and the helicopter will not directly overfly buildings at low altitude. Flights will follow southwest-northeasteast lines spaced about 1600 feet (500 meters) apart.

Research and Demonstration Grant Applications

2026 Research and Demonstration Grant Applications Now Open!

The High Plains Underground Water Conservation District (HPWD) is now accepting proposals for 2026 water conservation research, demonstration, and education projects. We are looking for innovative ideas to conserve water and protect our aquifers. 

• Proposals are due no later than Monday, February 2, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
• Apply online here.

Education Updates 

 On November 13, Billy Barron and Jennifer McClendon presented to 4th graders in Cochran County during the annual Youth Education and Agriculture (YEA) Day. Students built their own aquifer models and discovered how groundwater is accessed through wells for crops and homes.

Working alongside Texas County Agriculture Extension Agents, HPWD reaches many of our area students at Ag Day events. We also visit schools, homeschool groups, and community festivals to offer hands‑on learning experiences about groundwater and conservation.

Beyond schools, HPWD presents to businesses and civic groups about our current aquifer conditions and available water resources. Participants learn to use our Interactive Map, which provides detailed information on individual wells, water levels, and aquifer thickness.

If you would like to schedule a program or presentation for a school, civic club, or community group, please get in touch with Jennifer McClendon at our office.

Conservation Reminder

Protect Outdoor Faucets from Freezing

Even a small crack in an outdoor faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water. One of the most common causes is freezing during winter. A simple faucet cover can prevent costly leaks.

Conserve water by disconnecting and draining hoses, covering faucets, and insulating exposed pipes. Taking these steps helps ensure faucets and pipes don’t freeze and leak when temperatures rise.

Waste Reminder

Frozen Ground, Wasted Water
Running lawn sprinklers during freezing weather is both ineffective and wasteful. When the ground is frozen, water cannot soak into the soil; instead, it flows away as runoff. This runoff often creates hazardous ice on roads and sidewalks. Additionally, such runoff is considered groundwater waste, which is prohibited under Texas state law and the HPWD rules.

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

• The "Water Rights in the Panhandle" forum, featuring Charles Perry, was held at the Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show—Panhandle Producers Express Urgency Over Water Resource Management at Civic Center Event.
• East Texas water wars and growing concerns about large-scale water exports are discussed in a recent documentary. Watch here to see the ongoing perspectives from Cody Harris on the ongoing permit disputes with investor Kyle Bass.
• TWDB Proposition 4 Timeline: Looking Ahead to 2029
• The drought conditions map and monthly outlook have been updated.