In this edition of news from HPWD:

• HPWD Hosts Rainwater Harvesting Workshop for Lubbock Master Gardeners
• Recent Rainfall Brings Much-Needed Moisture
• HPWD County Advisory Committee Members 
• Conservation Reminder
• Waste Reminder
• Administratively Complete Permit Applications
• Upcoming Events
• Texas Water News and Drought Updates

HPWD Hosts Rainwater Harvesting Workshop for Lubbock Master Gardeners

On Tuesday evening, June 3, 2025, the High Plains Water District (HPWD) partnered with the Lubbock Master Gardeners Association (LMGA) to host a Rainwater Harvesting Workshop. The event for LMGA members, attended by 48 participants, highlighted the importance of sustainable water practices in West Texas.

Jennifer McClendon, HPWD Education Coordinator, delivered an informative presentation on the basics of rainwater harvesting. Attendees learned practical techniques for collecting and utilizing rainwater—an increasingly vital skill in a region where water conservation is essential.

As part of its commitment to community education, HPWD donated 20 rain barrels, which were distributed to attendees through a drawing.

LMGA President Colleen LeClair-Smith also addressed the group, sharing exciting updates on the association’s butterfly garden habitat. The new addition features a pergola outfitted with gutters, a water transfer pump, and a 1,000-gallon rainwater tank—funded through a research and demonstration grant from HPWD.

This rainwater harvesting system will be a hands-on teaching tool during LMGA’s monthly “Gardening Success” sessions, held every third Saturday at the Demonstration Garden. These sessions aim to empower local citizens with sustainable practices that maximize every drop of water.

In addition, LMGA proudly earned 1st Place Teaching Site honors for its demonstration garden, which is an integral part of the Berms and Basins: Rainwater Retention project funded by HPWD last year.

In a region where water is a precious commodity, HPWD and LMGA work together to ensure that conservation is not just a concept, but a community practice.

Recent Rainfall Brings Much-Needed Moisture

After months of dry and dusty conditions, the High Plains region has finally received some rainfall, bringing much-needed relief to local farmers and ranchers. The recent showers have helped replenish soil moisture levels, providing a timely boost for spring crops and pasture growth.

Rain has especially benefited early-stage crops like cotton, corn, and sorghum. Soil temperatures have recently warmed, creating nice conditions for germination and early growth.  While the moisture is appreciated, the storms have also brought strong winds and some hail in certain areas, posing significant risks to vulnerable seedlings.

High winds can damage young plants and delay their development, while hailstorms—even brief ones—can severely impact yield potential. Additionally, the rainfall has delayed some fieldwork and planting schedules.

HPWD Precinct 5 district director Jeremy Reed observed that conditions across Floyd, Hale, and Swisher counties varied, with some areas receiving more moisture than others.

Mr. Reed noted that some farmers are expanding their corn acreage for silage to support local dairies, while others are shifting toward sorghum as the economics of cotton have become less viable.

U.S. cotton prices have declined to around 66 cents per pound as of June 2025, down from 76.1 cents per pound in the previous season. This drop, driven by weak demand and increased supply, prompts many producers to reconsider their crop choices.

"Farmers can't do this without rain and the help from the Good Lord," said Jeremy Reed. Fortunately, the season has had a better start than anticipated, offering a hopeful outlook for local producers.

HPWD has approximately fifty sites with tipping bucket rain gauges equipped with telemetry. The average rain collected at these sites for May 2025 is shown in the table below.

Average Rainfall for May 2025 (source:  HPWD tipping bucket rain gauges)

Looking Ahead

The moisture might not last long with summer fast approaching and temperatures expected to rise. Experts warn that triple-digit heat and persistent winds could quickly deplete surface moisture, making continued rainfall critical in the coming weeks.

Despite the risks, the overall sentiment among farmers remains cautiously optimistic. With the recent rain offering a much-needed lift, there’s hope that the weather will cooperate through the season.

HPWD County Advisory Committee Members

Strengthening Local Voices in Groundwater Management:

Since the early days of the High Plains Water District (HPWD), County Advisory Committees have played a vital role in connecting local communities with the Board of Directors. These committees serve as grassroots liaisons, ensuring that the voices and concerns of residents across each county are heard and considered in groundwater management decisions.

At the most recent County Advisory Committee meeting on April 8, 2025, members provided valuable feedback on various topics, including HPWD rules, conservation initiatives, and district programs. Their input continues to shape the district’s efforts to manage and protect groundwater resources.

The current County Advisory Committee Policy is available here. To find your representative(s), please visit the interactive precinct map and select your county.

If you are passionate about water conservation and want to make a difference in your community, we encourage you to consider serving on our County Advisory Committee. For more information, please contact the HPWD office in Lubbock at (806) 762-0181.

Conservation Reminder

Save Water with Rainwater Harvesting!

Looking for a smart, sustainable way to reduce your water bill and ease the strain on municipal and groundwater supplies? Rainwater harvesting is a simple and effective solution!

Collecting and storing rainwater allows you to make the most of every drop, whether for watering plants, gardening, or other non-potable uses.

Want to learn more? Visit our website for information on Rainwater Harvesting and how you can get started.

Waste Reminder

Water waste is prohibited pursuant to Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code and HPWD rules.  What is waste? This month we will look at Chapter 36.001(8)(E), where waste is defined as the following:

(8)(E) willfully or negligently causing, suffering, or allowing groundwater to escape into any river, creek, natural watercourse, depression, lake, reservoir, drain, sewer, street, highway, road, or road ditch, or onto any land other than that of the owner of the well unless such discharge is authorized by permit, rule, or order issued by the commission under Chapter 26;

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

 Texas Water News and Drought Updates

• The Texas Tribune, May 29, 2025, article: The one thing Texas won’t do to save its water supply.
• Senate Bill 7 and House Joint Resolution 7 dedicate $1 billion annually for 20 years, beginning in 2027. Texas voters will have the chance to vote on the proposed dedicated funding this November. Governor Abbott Commends the Texas Legislature for Making a Texas-sized investment in Water.
•  Texas Senate Confirms Governor Greg Abbott's TCEQ Appointments.
• The drought conditions map and the monthly outlook are updated.