Success for Texas Panhandle Water Symposium

The first Inaugural Texas Panhandle Water Conservation Symposium was an unmitigated success, with over 300 attendees and 19 speakers from across the United States. This symposium was the vision of C.E. Williams, general manager of Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District (PGCD). He wanted to focus on water conservation for all users including municipal, agricultural producers and the general public by inviting speakers from across the State of Texas, as well as throughout the United States. There were presentations on conservation principles, programs that had been implemented and their effects. With the guidance of Carole Baker from the Texas Water Foundation and Alliance for Water Efficiency, and many sponsors from across the Texas Panhandle the symposium was made possible, and Williams stated, “It may very well be the highlight of my career.”

The morning session focused on the current drought and statewide issues including conservation myths, drought forecasts and how the drought affected the state. After lunch, the attendees split up into three breakout sessions that focused on municipal, agricultural and private water use.  Municipal users heard presentations regarding municipal conservation as it relates to water rates, and how to track water use.  Attendees in the agricultural breakout session learned about irrigation timing, crop rotation, drought tolerant corn hybrids and irrigation demonstrations showing how to grow 200 bushels of corn on 12 inches of applied irrigation. Private users were treated to presentations detailing rainwater harvesting, xeriscape gardening and conservation education.

Farmer Matt Moore from Wheeler County listens during the Texas Panhandle Water Symposium. Picture taken by High Plains Water Conservation District.

One highlight of the symposium was the presentation of the first Robert Duncan Crown of Texas Water Conservation Award to Senator Robert Duncan for his tireless dedication to water conservation on behalf of future generations of Texans. PGCD anticipates that the symposium will be held every other year and this award can continue to be granted to other distinguished advocates of water conservation.

PGCD would again like to thank all of the sponsors for making this symposium a success, and participating in bringing water conservation awareness to all aspects of the Texas Panhandle.