In this edition of news from HPWD:

• HPWD Board Adopts 2025 Tax Rate
• 48th Annual Randall County Ag Day & Crops Tour
• Services Provided by the High Plains Water District
• Conservation Reminder
• Waste Reminder
• Administratively Complete Permit Applications
• Upcoming Events
• Texas Water News and Drought Update

HPWD Board Adopts 2025 Tax Rate

The High Plains Underground Water Conservation District (HPWD) Board of Directors adopted the 2025 ad valorem tax rate at their September 9th regular meeting. It is $0.00295 per $100 valuation. The Board of Directors has lowered the tax rate each year since 2014.

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

48th Annual Randall County Ag Day & Crops Tour

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Randall County hosted its 48th annual Ag Day & Crops Tour on August 26th. Speakers from across Texas were in Canyon to address questions and concerns raised by ag producers and farmers. This year’s topics included the Current Weather Pattern Outlook, Building A Grazing Management Plan, the Impact of Cattle Supplementation, the economic comparison of Farming vs. Ranching, a Panel discussion on current agriculture, issues, and concerns, and a Randall County update from Judge Christy Dyer.

Jason Coleman, General Manager of HPWD, participated in the panel discussion on Randall County Ag, Issues & Concerns. Others on the panel included Dr. J.D. Ragland, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Randall County; Jeff Lewter, NRCS District Conservationist, Randall County; and De De Jones, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services Risk Management Specialist, Amarillo, TX.
Jason talked about the “Current Water Issues Affecting Randall County.”  He reviewed the Ogallala Aquifer water level changes over the past five years based on the observation well measurement program in HPWD. He also presented the Texas Water Development Board data of submitted drillers' reports for new water wells drilled in Randall County for the past five years. He also covered some of our programs and projects at HPWD and touched on some of the Texas Water Policy and current legislative topics concerning groundwater.
The afternoon included a tour of Caviness Beef Packers and Gruner Research Farm.

"Randall County hosts the 48th annual Ag Day amid World Water Week, focusing on climate action." See the Story from: ABC 7 Amarillo
"High Plains Water District gives update on water use in Randall County": Newschannel 10

Services Provided by the High Plains Water District

If you own property in the High Plains Water District and have questions about the groundwater beneath your land, HPWD offers several services that benefit you. We provide flow measurements, water levels, basic water quality screening, and aquifer information from our interactive map.

Flow Measurements

All HPWD technicians are equipped with an ultrasonic flow meter, which is used to measure flow rates from water wells. You’ll need someone available to start and stop each well and ensure that pumps, motors, and controls are in working order before the test begins.

Water Level Measurements

HPWD also provides water level measurements to help you track how the aquifer responds to pumping and natural recharge. A technician can measure static or pumping water levels in your wells during a scheduled visit using e-lines. These measurements give you clear insight into trends and allow you to make informed decisions about the well.

Water Quality Screening

For basic water quality screening on irrigation or domestic wells, our technicians collect samples directly from your wellhead and perform field tests for pH, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity. These immediate results help identify potential issues like salinity or pH imbalances before they affect crops, livestock, or household use. A certified laboratory is needed if you require more detailed analysis, such as nitrates, metals, bacteria, etc..

Interactive Map

HPWD offers an interactive map to help residents and stakeholders explore vital groundwater data across our district. This tool supports a wide range of uses, and while it's difficult to list them all, here are some of the most common features: 

• Annual Water Level Observation Sites - View water levels recorded over the past 10 years.
• Saturated Thickness Estimates - Understand how much water is stored in the aquifer beneath your location.
• Aquifer Depths & Water Levels - Access detailed data on aquifer characteristics and current water levels.
• Well Logs - Review historical and technical data for many wells in the district.

To arrange any of these services, contact HPWD at 806-762-0181 or email services@hpwd.org. Before your appointment for a flow test, water level measurement, or water quality screening, please ensure safe access to your well site and confirm that all equipment is fully operational.

You’re also welcome to ask about our advanced offerings, including permit assistance, aquifer mapping, and registering your exempt well.

Conservation Reminder

In the fall, you can conserve water by tapering your lawn watering schedule, turning off sprinklers, or adjusting them to water only when necessary. Grass and plants will soon start to slow their growth as they prepare for winter dormancy, meaning they need less water.

To help with irrigation scheduling decisions, High Plains Water District is sponsoring the “Water My Yard” program, phone app, and website for Lubbock and Randall County residents. There is no charge for the service.

Sign up for Water My Yard at hpwd.org/water-my-yard for weekly watering advice on lawns and crops.

Waste Reminder

If you see water escaping or running down the alley in your neighborhood, the source needs to be identified so the water can be stopped or repaired. Water running down the alley is considered a waste of water. The water utility should be contacted before any attempt to repair a water supply line leak.

Water waste is prohibited per Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code and HPWD rules. 

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

For Registration and More Information, Visit: https://www.tawwa.org/event/awss2025

Texas Water News and Drought Updates

• Proposition 4 on the November ballot concerns funding of water supplies for Texas. A brief letter from Sen. Charles Perry and Rep. Cody Harris explains the importance of this upcoming vote.
• The drought conditions map and the monthly outlook are updated.