The Water in the Desert conference, hosted by Sul Ross State University, featured discussion of regional water data gaps, relevant water policy developments at the Texas Legislature, Chihuahuan Desert hydrology, groundwater management needs, stewardship practices, and promising water-enhancing projects in the region.

Source: West Texas Gathering Focuses on Water Issues Confronting Region’s Communities and Ecosystems | Environmental Defense Fund

For over a month, the Railroad Commission of Texas has worked to plug a massive leak in an aging oil field near Fort Stockton — spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process.

Source: State regulators struggle to contain a leak that’s drenching West Texas ranch land with potentially toxic water | Texas Standard

GRAY COUNTY, Texas (KVII) — A $1 billion investment in Gray and Roberts Counties by Intersect Power referred to as the Meinter Intersect Power Project is progressing as county leaders and the city of Pampa are in negotiations to facilitate a green hydrogen plant and solar farm, along with wind turbines to be built in the two counties.

Source: Intersect Power’s $1 billion project ignites Ogallala Aquifer protection talks

Texas heat is no joke and throughout the years it has led to some severe droughts across the state. Now, one of the state’s most popular swim spots is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel with a slowly climbing water level.

Source: Jacob’s Well water levels slowly increase, creek begins to pool

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $80 Million from Investing in America Agenda to Address Legacy Pollution by Plugging Orphaned Wells in Texas

Source: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $80 Million from Investing in America Agenda to Address Legacy Pollution by Plugging Orphaned Wells in Texas | U.S. Department of the Interior

Williamson County commissioners approved a resolution Jan. 9 which outlines the county’s plans for groundwater resource management.

Source: Williamson County declines support for local petition, pushing forward local groundwater management | Community Impact

Source: Orphan well backlog grows in Texas, even as federal funds flow

The Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District of Bell County General Manager, Dirk Aaron, has announced that the district will be holding 2 public hearings on February 12, 2024 and February 13, 2024, to receive input from citizens in both Bell and Williamson Counties on the possible annexation of Western Williamson County into their jurisdiction.

As drought worsens because of climate change, the groundwater supply could be in real trouble.

Source: Crop Yields at Risk in Kansas, Nebraska and Texas, Scientists Warn

Three decades of data have informed a new Nebraska-led study that shows how the depletion of groundwater — the same that many farmers rely on for irrigation — can threaten food production amid drought and drier climes.

Source: Husker study finds aquifer depletion threatens crop yields