In this edition of news from HPWD:

• Annual Water Level Measurements Completed
• Proposed Desired Future Conditions (DFCs)
• Carmon McCain Memorial Regional Science Fair Awards
• 4-H Water Ambassador Application Open 
• Conservation Reminder
• Waste Reminder
• Administratively Complete Permit Applications
• Upcoming Events
• Texas Water News and Drought Update

Annual Water Level Measurements Completed

The final results of the 2026 water level observations are now summarized and available here. The average change in the Ogallala/Edwards-Trinity (High Plains) Aquifers is -0.57 feet.  The district's average saturated thickness in the Ogallala Aquifer is 51 feet.  The interactive map is being updated with the most recent data. HPWD encourages the use of this tool, which provides site-specific estimates of water conditions.

HPWD is grateful for the field staff's work during the data collection.  This program requires significant time, effort, and attention to detail.

Proposed DFCs Adopted in GMA #1

Since 2010, Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) of relevant aquifers must be adopted by Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs) every five years.  Most of HPWD is located in Groundwater Management Area (GMA) 2, although Armstrong, Potter, and Randall Counties are located GMA #1.  GMA #1 adopted the proposed DFCS on February 24, 2026.  GMA #2 is expected to adopt 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 #1 and the draft explanatory report are now available for review and comment.

Resolution  with Proposed DFCs in Groundwater Management Area #1Draft Explanatory Report for Proposed DFCs in Groundwater Management Area #1

 

Students Receive Carmon McCain Memorial Regional Science Fair Awards

HPWD Education Coordinator Jennifer McClendon evaluated water‑related projects at the 2026 South Plains Regional Science and Engineering Fair on February 27 at the United Supermarkets Arena at Texas Tech University. In honor of Carmon McCain, the HPWD Board designates $500 each year for the top water‑focused entries in the fair’s special awards category.

Knox Stary, Krue Stary, and Addison Cadd earned the HPWD Top Water Project Award for their project, “From Waste to Water: Comparing Novel Methods to Purify Produced Water.” In addition, three elementary, two middle school, and three high school projects received the Carmon McCain Memorial Outstanding Water Project Award.

4-H Water Ambassador Application Open

Applications for the  Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors Program will be accepted from March 1 through April 15, 2026.  For more information about this program, visit texas4hwaterambassadors.com.

Conservation Reminder

Saving Water in the Bathroom

More than half of all indoor water use happens in the bathroom, making it one of the easiest places to cut back on both water and costs with a few simple habits.

Why Showers Usually Use Less Water

A standard showerhead uses about 2.5 gallons per minute, meaning a 10‑minute shower uses roughly 25 gallons of water. A full bath can use up to 50 gallons, depending on tub size.

Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

• Shorten your shower. Cutting a 10‑minute shower to five minutes saves about 12.5 gallons each time.
• Be strategic with baths. Fill the tub only partway, plug the drain, and turn on the water so you don’t lose water before you get in.
• Choose WaterSense fixtures. WaterSense‑labeled showerheads use no more than 2 gallons per minute and are tested to ensure strong, comfortable performance—no weak drizzle.

Mindful habits in the bathroom add up quickly, helping conserve water and lower monthly bills.

Waste Reminder

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

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

8)(C) escape of groundwater from a groundwater reservoir to any other reservoir or geologic strata that does not contain groundwater;

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

•  Hereford city manager outlines plan to buy new water rights. ABC 7 Amarillo news report from the Ogallala Commons two-day water conference held February 24-25th.
• Texas nears permits to reuse produced water, Sen. Perry says.
• The drought conditions map and monthly outlook have been updated.