In this edition of news from HPWD:

• Shallowater Dockum Test Hole
• Hi-A (high-antioxidant), Drought-Tolerant Corn Research
• How do I know if my groundwater is contaminated?  
• Conservation Reminder
• Waste Reminder
• Administratively Complete Permit Applications
• Sales Tax Holiday on Water-Efficient Products
• Upcoming Events
• Texas Water News and Drought Updates

Shallowater Dockum Test Hole

The High Plains Water District (HPWD) recently provided $30,000 in cost assistance to support the City of Shallowater’s ongoing water resource development initiatives. This funding is part of HPWD’s commitment to helping local communities enhance their water infrastructure and ensure long-term sustainability.

As part of this effort, a test hole targeting the Dockum Aquifer was successfully drilled to a depth of 1600 feet. The drilling was followed by a comprehensive geophysical logging process conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The data collected will help determine the aquifer’s viability as a potential water source for the city and guide future planning and development.

This collaboration between HPWD, the City of Shallowater, and the USGS reflects a proactive approach to addressing regional water needs through science-based decision-making and strategic investment.

 Hi-A (high-antioxidant), Drought-Tolerant Corn Research

Hi-A Corn, a nutritious crop central to the “Making America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, was showcased during a visit to Texas A&M on April 29, 2025, by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Dr. Tim Paape presented ongoing research led by Dr. Wenwei Xu, Regents Fellow and Professor of Corn Breeding & Genetics at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in Lubbock. The project, funded by the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District (HPWD) Research and Demonstration Grant, focuses on developing heat-tolerant, high-antioxidant sweet corn inbred lines and hybrids. These varieties are designed to thrive under limited water conditions using concentrated irrigation methods.

One such hybrid, TAMZ102, developed by Dr. Xu, offers a unique combination of sweeter, more tender kernels than field corn, while containing less sugar than traditional sweet corn. Its versatility makes it ideal for both fresh consumption and grain-based products like tortillas and chips.

During the visit, Secretary Kennedy sampled the Hi-A corn and later referenced it in his public remarks, underscoring its potential role in promoting healthier food options nationwide.

Article from AgriLife Today, "Rollins, Kennedy tour Texas A&M AgriLife to connect agriculture and health".

How do I know if my groundwater is contaminated?

Did you know? Texas has a dedicated statewide resource for tracking and identifying groundwater contamination. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) publishes the Joint Groundwater Monitoring and Contamination Report (SFR-56). This comprehensive report provides valuable insights into groundwater quality and contamination incidents across the state.

You can access the most recent reports directly on the TCEQ website.

Additionally, an interactive map is available here to help visualize contamination sites and monitoring efforts across Texas.

Conservation Reminder

How Much Water Are You Using Outdoors This Summer?
Did you know that most outdoor water use during the summer goes toward lawns and landscaping? Efficient irrigation is key to conserving water, no matter what type of landscape you have.

To help you water wisely year-round, HPWD offers the Water My Yard program, providing personalized watering recommendations. You can also explore our Water Wise Landscaping tips to create a beautiful, drought-friendly yard.

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)(D), where waste is defined as the following:

(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

Sales Tax Holiday on Water-Efficient Products

Texas will offer a sales-tax holiday on water-efficient products to conserve water from May 24 to 26, 2025. 

Complete the online form to register your domestic/exempt well (anything under 17.5 gpm). If you need help, please call our office at 806-762-0181.

Texas Water News and Drought Updates

• As we enter the final weeks of the 89th Texas Legislative Session, several key water-related bills are still pending. With the session set to adjourn on June 2, time is running out for bills to meet critical deadlines. Any bill that fails to advance by its designated deadline will be considered “dead”—unless it is successfully attached as an amendment to another active piece of legislation. See the deadline calendar here.
• The Texas Tribune, April 28, 2025, article: Can Texas Lawmakers agree on how to spend billions to save the state's water supply? 
• The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) recently launched a Water Loss Dashboard to help visualize water loss by public water systems across Texas. 
• The drought conditions map and the monthly outlook are updated.