The Cross Section Newsletter:(A news publication of the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1) February 2026

In this edition of news from HPWD:

  • Annual Water Level Measurements Nearing Completion
  • 4-H Water Ambassador Application Opens March 1
  • Conservation Reminder
  • Waste Reminder
  • Administratively Complete Permit Applications
  • Upcoming Events
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Irrigation Excellence Program
  • Texas Water News and Drought Update

Annual Water Level Measurements Nearing Completion

The image features a banner about "Water Level Measurements" with visuals of equipment used for measuring water levels.

High Plains Water District field technicians are measuring annual water levels in observation wells to determine changes since last year. As each county's measurements are completed, preliminary results are posted on our website.  Some wells are being rechecked at this time, and we hope to complete these during the next week.  At this time, the preliminary results show an average change of -0.60 ft in the Ogallala/Edwards-Trinity (High Plains) Aquifers across HPWD.  

The final results of the 2026 water level observations will be available soon.

4-H Water Ambassador Application Opens March 1

Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors Program: Applications open March 1 - April 15. Students may get $300 fee reimbursed. More info online.

Applications for the  Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors Program will be accepted from March 1 through April 15, 2026. Students within the district who are admitted to the program are eligible for a $300 tuition gift to cover their participation fee. For more information about this program, visit texas4hwaterambassadors.com.

The image shows a blue float for a toilet tank, used to control water flow and refill after flushing.

Conservation Reminder

Is your toilet wasting water?

A worn‑out toilet flapper is one of the most common causes of household leaks. If you haven’t replaced yours in a while, it may be time.

A simple, inexpensive flapper replacement can prevent water loss and save you money on your utility bill.

How Much Water Can a Leaky Flapper Waste?

  • A stuck or open flapper can waste about 200 gallons per hour — that’s 4,800 gallons per day.
  • Even a small, slow leak can waste 30 gallons per day

Quick At‑Home Leak Test

  • Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank.
  • Wait 10 minutes without flushing.
  • If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.

Waste Reminder

Splash graphic with text: "WATER. Don't Waste It! Chapter 36 Texas Water Code."

Water waste is prohibited under Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code and High Plains Water District (HPWD) rules. But what exactly counts as “waste”? This month, we will look at Chapter 36.001(8)(B).

Texas Water Code § 36.001(8)(B)—defines waste as:

The flowing or producing of wells from a groundwater reservoir if the water produced is not used for a beneficial purpose;

To elaborate on what constitutes a “beneficial purpose” in the Texas Water Code, we reference Chapter 36 (9) (A-C):

(9) "Use for a beneficial purpose" means use for:

(A) agricultural, gardening, domestic, stock raising, municipal, mining, manufacturing, industrial, commercial, recreational, or pleasure purposes;

(B) exploring for, producing, handling, or treating oil, gas, sulphur, or other minerals; or

(C) any other purpose that is useful and beneficial to the user.

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 

Bar chart showing administratively complete permit applications for January 2026, with Bailey at 7, followed by Hockley and Lamb at 4.

 Upcoming Events

View the HPWD Calendar of events.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Irrigation Excellence Program

The image promotes the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension's Irrigation Excellence Program, covering key irrigation topics and events.

Irrigation Excellence Program, an educational webinar for producers, agents, students, etc., was recently created by Kristie Keys (Extension Agent - Agronomy) and Dr. Dana Porter (Irrigation Engineer). Registration is free, but you must register via this link or scan the QR code at the bottom of the flyer to receive the webinar links. 

Reminder: HPWD offices closed for Presidents Day on Monday, February 16, 2026.

 Texas Water News and Drought Updates

Join our mailing list