Rather than depend on the whims of Mother Nature, the HPWD has several long-term studies still underway to better understand the aquifer and effects of pumping water over time. "When we see those daily values stay constant, that tells us the pump is not on and the water level is staying there at a higher level." "There hasn't been that much irrigation within the water district so far because of the rain," said Jason Coleman, general manager of the HPWD. And this year has seen above-average rainfall that both hurt and helped producers. While there was a drought to start 2018, that was quickly followed by a short burst of heavy rain and hail that destroyed some crops. The story could change year-by-year though as the climate has grown increasingly unpredictable with each planting season. Everyone wants to make the best use of the aquifer, and I really wish more people would look at what they do." It's important to know what is the most efficient. "There's certainly some people that are more aware and more conserving than others, and some who want to keep doing what they've always done and don't follow the research," said Evans. While Evans is very conscientious about his water use, there are other producers who still aren't keeping future use of the aquifer in mind despite the studies done by groups including the TAWC. "We really have to save and use it as necessary." "The reason I do that is to try to capture every bit of moisture we have, every bit of rain that falls and not losing it, every little bit makes a difference in this part of the world," Evans said. The technique helps the soil structure remain in-tact, and improves the soil cover to increase the ability to absorb water.
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"Now as it's being depleted, we just can't anymore, so we have to figure out how to go without it."Įvans grows cotton and grain sorghum, and for 25 years has been completely no-till. "Agriculture here with the aquifer has been so good for so long, we've been totally dependent on it," said Barry Evans, a Kress producer in the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation. The number has increased over time to meet the needs and demands of the communities, but has also served as a safety net for farmers who have struggled with the common drought issues in West Texas. The High Plains Underground Water Conservation District estimates that there are around 60,000 wells throughout the 16 counties covered by the district. As the water levels have steadily declined, however, there is now a race against the clock to make it sustainable again. The Ogallala Aquifer has been relied on by communities in eight states for agriculture, drinking water and industry uses since at least 1889.
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