In this edition of news from HPWD:

• HPWD Board Adopts 2024 Tax Rate
• Water Quality Testing for Domestic Well Owners
• 4-H Water Ambassadors
• Conservation Reminder
• Waste Reminder
• Administratively Complete Permit Applications
• Upcoming Events
• Texas Water News and Drought Updates

HPWD Board Adopts 2024 Tax Rate

The HPWD Board of Directors adopted the 2024 tax rate at their September 10 regular meeting.  It is $0.0031 per $100 valuation.  Quick facts regarding the adopted rate:

• it decreased by 30.1% from 2023
• it decreased the tax levy on an average homestead by 21.8% from 2023
• it decreased the total tax levy on all properties by 23.7% from 2023

All truth in taxation documents and the tax rate calculation worksheet are published on the website.

Water Quality Testing for Domestic Well Owners

The Texas Well Owner Network is hosting upcoming events on September 16-20, where residents may have their source water quality analyzed. HPWD will pay the $15 fee for samples collected from our service area.  Please check our calendar for more information. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service sponsors these events, and area residents should contact their local extension office for specific details concerning water sample collection and drop-off dates.

4-H Water Ambassadors

HPWD currently has six 4-H Water Ambassadors within the district. Johan Grotegut , the 4-H Water Ambassador from Deaf Smith County, highlighted the benefits of the program and expressed his appreciation for HPWD's support. Grant funds from HPWD were used in June to assist with lodging, meals, and transportation for thirty new ambassadors for the Tier 1 Leadership Academy.

A plaque was given to the HPWD Board of Directors in appreciation of their support.  Pictured left to right are Jason Coleman, Johan Grotegut, and Lynn Tate.

To learn more about the 4-H Water Ambassadors program, click here.

Conservation Reminder

Did you know that a fill-cycle toilet diverter is a simple plastic device that can be used to retrofit older toilets that use 3.5 or more gallons of water per flush? The diverter directs more water to the toilet’s tank and less to the bowl while the toilet is refilling so that the toilet finishes filling at roughly the same time. Once installed, a fill-cycle diverter will save about one-half gallon of water with each toilet flush.

Come by our office to get a free Toilet Water Conservation Kit that includes 2 Toilet Diverters, Leak Detector Tablets, and a Toilet Tank Bank. Save money on your water bill and conserve water! Every drop counts!

There are many ways to practice water conservation. If you need a program or presentation for a civic club or other group, contact Jennifer McClendon at our office to schedule a conservation program.

Waste Reminder

Repair a water leak, such as a leaking toilet, to avoid waste. Leaking toilets can waste thousands of gallons of water a month, leading to higher water and sewer bills. The most common toilet leak is caused by a deteriorated or defective flush valve (flapper).

 Administratively Complete Permit Applications

 Upcoming Events

Texas Water News and Drought Updates

• Congratulations to Bryan McMath, who is the new Executive  Administrator of the Texas Water Development Board.
• The Texas Railroad Commission has proposed amendments to its water protection and waste management rules. The proposed amendments concern commercial water waste and water recycling. A summary is available here.
• The drought conditions map and the monthly outlook are updated.