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

In this edition of news from HPWD:

  • HPWD Directors Conduct Public Hearing
  • TWDB Approves Draft 2027 State Water Plan
  • Well Owners Guide
  • Conservation Reminder
  • Waste Reminder
  • Administratively Complete Permit Applications
  • Upcoming Events
  • Texas Water News and Drought Update

HPWD Directors Conduct Public Hearing for Proposed DFCs

The image announces the completion of a public hearing and solicits comments on proposed DFCs until July 1, 2026.

The HPWD Board of Directors conducted a public hearing on May 12, 2026, to receive comments on proposed Desired Future Conditions (DFC) for aquifers in Groundwater Management Areas (GMAs) 1 and 2.

Each groundwater conservation district in a GMA is required to conduct at least one public hearing during the DFC adoption process.
The majority of HPWD lies within GMA 2, while portions of HPWD in Armstrong, Potter, and Randall Counties are in GMA 1.

In accordance with the Texas Water Code, HPWD will accept written comments about the proposed DFCs for GMAs 1 & 2 until 5:00 p.m., July 1, 2026.  Comments may be submitted by email or delivered to the district office at 2930 Ave. Q, Lubbock, TX 79411.

A draft explanatory report of the proposed DFCs in both GMAs is available here.

TWDB Approves Draft 2027 State Water Plan

The image is a cover for the "Water for Texas" State Water Plan 2027 draft by the Texas Water Development Board.

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved the publication of the Draft 2027 State Water Plan, opening it for public comment through May 29. The draft plan incorporates approximately 6,700 recommended water management strategies and 3,000 projects drawn from the 2026 Regional Water Plans approved earlier this year.

The draft also includes several legislative recommendations that could affect Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs). Stakeholders are encouraged to review the document and submit written comments during the public comment period.

Written comments may be submitted online, and additional information is available on the TWDB website.

Draft State Water Plan 2027- Water For Texas

Well Owners Guide

Private water well owners play a key role in protecting their water supply. The NGWA Well Owners Guide is a valuable resource that provides practical information on proper well construction, routine maintenance, water testing, and addressing common well issues. Whether you’re a new or long‑time well owner, this guide can help ensure your water remains safe and reliable.

Learn more at WellOwner.org.

Additional well-owner resources are available on the HPWD website.

    Conservation Reminder

    Flush Wisely

    The image shows a simple white toilet and a toilet paper holder on a wall.

    Flush toilets only when necessary, and avoid using them as wastebaskets. Every flush you eliminate can save between 2 and 7 gallons of water.
    For additional savings, consider these steps:

    • Replace older toilets with newer ultra‑low‑flush models, which use significantly less water per flush.
    • Check for toilet leaks regularly—silent leaks from worn flappers are among the most common sources of water waste in homes.

    Small changes can add up to significant water savings over time.

    Waste Reminder

    A dirt path with a water flow running alongside it, bordered by earthy mounds and a distant power pole against a clear blue sky.

    Water waste is prohibited pursuant to Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code and HPWD rules.  What exactly counts as “waste”? This month, we’re highlighting Chapter 36.001(8)(E), which defines waste as:

    (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 

    The chart shows the count of administratively complete permit applications by region for April 2026, with Lynn having the highest at 35.

     Upcoming Events

    View the HPWD Calendar of events.

    Promotional ad for a sales tax holiday on water-efficient products from May 23-25.

     Texas will offer a sales-tax holiday on water-efficient products to conserve water from May 23 to 25, 2026.

    Texas Water News and Drought Updates 

    The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is accepting applications for Water Supply and Infrastructure Grants (WSIG), a one-time opportunity offering 100% grant funding for eligible water supply and infrastructure projects. The deadline to submit an application is July 30, 2026. Learn more here.

    • From the Texas Observer, "When the AI Cloud Comes for Texas Water".
    • Stay informed on the data center growth and emerging issues. Read the full brief from the Texas Water Foundation. 
    •  Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA) works with producers across the South Plains of Texas to advance practical, locally driven stewardship through applied research and outreach. Read more.
    • The drought conditions map and monthly outlook have been updated.
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