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Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District
“Conserving Water for Future Generations”
Annual Report 2012-2013
Xeriscaping… Water Conservation
Through Creative
Landscaping
2
Table of Contents
Manager’s Address 3
Staff 3
Board of Directors 4
What is an Xeriscape Garden? 5
Study and Conservation Areas 6
More Crop For the Drop 7
Water Quality 8
Ag Loans 8
Regional 9
Time Tracking 10
Expenditures 10
Well Permitting & Registration 11
District Activity 12
Fiscal Year Timeline 13
Education 14
Precipitation Enhancement 15
District Activity 16-19
Our Mission
The Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District will strive to develop, promote and implement water
conservation, augmentation and management strategies to protect water resources for the benefit of the
citizens, economy and environment of the District.
3
Manager’s Address
Staff
Back row: Julie Bennett, Anita Haiduk, Drew Hodges, Korri Britten, Jennifer Puryear
Front row: C.E. Williams, Steve Shumate, Doug Kling
Conservation is always the center theme of our District, and that has been especially true during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. The Tex-
as Legislature was in session first of the year and most of the energy was focused on HB 4 which set up the funding mechanism and
reorganization of the Texas Water Development Board. Several bills concerning water conservation were passed, and they also
passed funding for projects identified in the Regional Water Plans.
The District had a rather busy, but routine year and continued all programs. The well permits
continued to be above average numbers but not as many as the 2011-2012 fiscal year numbers.
Water in the aquifers continued to decline in most areas and the Board added additional acre-
age to our Depletion Management Areas.
The Precipitation Enhancement program had a few more opportunities and showed better re-
sults in 2013, and there were fewer complaints about the program. We all hope the New Year
brings even more rain to our drought prone area.
The Panhandle Regional Water Planning group continued the work on the 2016 Regional Wa-
ter Plan by holding three meetings during the fiscal year. Major milestones were reviewed, and
we agreed on the population and demand numbers to be used in the updated plan.
During late summer and early fall many hours were spent working on the prioritization meth-
odology for the regional planning groups to use as required in HB 4. The Texas Water Conser-
vation Association first worked with members to jump start the program, and then the Regional Chairman were required by the bill
to agree on uniform standards to be used by all regions.
We all look forward to 2014 and the challenges that it will bring.
4
California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
Height: 12 in.
Spread: 12 in.
Once established, minimum water
Board Members
John R. Spearman, Jr.
President
Chancy Cruise
Secretary
Charles Bowers
Director
Danny Hardcastle
Vice-President
Billy Van Crawford
Director
F.G. “Butch” Collard
Director
Bill Breeding
Director
Phillip Smith
Director
Jim Thompson
Director
5
Garden Sage
Salvia officinalis
Height: 18-24 in.
Spread: 12-18 in.
Low-moderate water
What is a Xeriscape Garden? Xeriscaping is a method of gardening that requires choosing the appropriate plants for the location which can be maintained with
little supplemental watering. Derived from the Greek term xeros which means dry, Xeriscape was coined during the 1970s in Den-
ver, Colorado, to mean water efficient landscaping. Well-designed xeriscapes can be enchanting and beautiful.
Some advantages to xeriscape gar-
dening include: lower water bills,
more water available for other uses
and other people, less time and work
needed for maintenance, and little or
no lawn mowing, Xeriscape plants,
along with proper bed design, tend to
take full advantage of rainfall. When
water restrictions are implemented
xeriscape plants tend to survive, and
increased habitat for native bees,
butterflies, and other fauna.
If you still desire a lawn in some
places of your landscaping, choosing
low-water or native grasses can save
water as well as many hours behind
the lawn mower. You can find these
grasses and other low water/low-
mow hybrid grasses at your local
garden center. The best choice is con-
sidered buffalo grass, and another
good choice is bermuda grass. Fescue
is not recommended for this area
since it may require up to three inches
of water a week during the summer.
PGCD xeriscape garden plans designed by our intern James Coffee, and implemented by Field Technician
Drew Hodges.
6
Study and Conservation Areas
Blanketflower
Gaillardia aristata
Height: 2-3 ft.
Spread: 2-3 ft.
Drought tolerant
The Board of Directors passed rules in December 2004 that defined the acceptable annual decline rate to be used to meet the 50/50
Management Standard, PGCD Rule 15, as 1.25 percent of saturated thickness per year. The 50/50 Management Standard ensures at
least 50 percent of the current supplies or saturated thickness of the Ogallala Aquifer remains after 50 years. This represents the
proper balance between existing needs for water and future needs, while also allowing the District to meet the desired future condi-
tion of the aquifer within the District’s boundary.
Depletion implementation began in 2005, with the staff evlauting the annual decline rates and recommending Study and Conserva-
tion areas as needed to the board. Being added into a Study Area signifies that the 1.25 percent annual acceptable decline was sur-
passed, and a Study Area will qualify to be considered as a Conservation Area if this criteria is met for a minimum of two years.
All new proposed study areas within the PGCD were approved by the board after the hearing on July 24 in White Deer, Texas. Sev-
eral constitutes attended the meeting to ask questions about how the study areas would affect them. The new study areas included 13-
2 and 13-4 in Carson County, 13-3 in Armstrong and Donley counties, 09-3-A10-M13, 07-3-A11-M13 and 05-4-A11-M13 in Don-
ley County, and 13-1 in Roberts County.
PGCD Study and Conservation Area map. Light blue areas are previously approved Study and Conservation Areas, and the light green are
areas that were approved in 2013. Only one Conservation Area is currently in place, and it is in Roberts County C11-1.
PGCD 2013 Study and Conservation Areas
7
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Height: 12-18 in.
Spread: 1-2 ft.
Drought tolerant
More Crop For the Drop The 2012 growing season marked the second year that
PGCD has conducted the More Crop for the Drop (MC4TD)
project. PGCD initiated the project in 2011 to establish and
conduct field scale crop productive demonstrations with
growers using advanced soil moisture monitoring, irrigation
system tracking technologies and on site data collection to
potentially reduce corn and cotton seasonal irrigation. Four
different cooperators, Lance Williams, Bill Gray, Larry
Koetting and Wade Ritter, conducted MC4TD demonstra-
tions on 625 acres.
Lance Williams, with good management, stretched his 500
gpm (gallon per minute) well to harvest 187 bushels of corn
per acre on 122 acres for his demonstration on the Crawford
West farm in Carson County. Irrigation totaled 22.65 inches.
The rain gauge recorded 5.66 inches of rainfall from planting until harvest,
with no rainfall from June 14 until August 10. Irrigation water was shared
with a quarter circle of cotton as well. Williams liked the soil moisture
probe but said its use would be best if it would rain and where irrigation
water is more plentiful than at his Crawford West farm.
Bill Gray harvested 167 bushels per acre from the 138 acres of corn in his
demonstration on his section 65 farm in Carson County. Irrigation totaled
23.90 inches that included 4.20 inches of pre-water applications. Total rain-
fall from planting until harvest measured 7.91 inches, but no rain fell for 57
days in June, July and August when climatic conditions created high daily
plant water use. Gray is satisfied with the yield, considering his irrigation
capacity of 4.0 gpm per acre and lack of rain. He added that the continuous
soil moisture readings provided by the probe guided him on where and
when to irrigate.
Larry Koetting harvested 163 bushels of corn per acre from his 115 acre
demonstration field on his Bradshaw farm in Carson County. Irrigation
totaled 20.93 inches and rainfall 7.44 inches. The yield was as good as it
has been for him since he began farming this site. The irrigation well
dropped gpm due to pump wear late in the season when more water was
needed. “Rainfall in July and August would have sure helped,” he said. In comparison, corn yields were 227 and 217 bushels per
acre in other fields Koetting farms and irrigation was similarly more.
Wade Ritter harvested 2009 pounds of lint cotton from his 250 acre demonstration field on the Simms Place in Carson County. Irri-
gation was 25.61 inches and rainfall 7.27 inches. Ritter planned for a minimum yield of 2000 pounds per acre, requiring irrigation
since no rain fell in July and August. In comparison, cotton yield on the Simms farm was about twice that on other fields Ritter
farms. Ritter said his cotton yields were directly related to available irrigation capacity in 2012. He recommends a soil probe be
placed in both cotton and corn where the same center pivot irrigates both crops.
Harvesting the 187 bu/acre corn on Lance Williams' Crawford West farm.
Who are the Cooperators?
In 2012
Four cooperating growers (listed to left)
in Carson County
3 corn on 373 acres
1 cotton on 250 acres
In 2013
Six cooperating growers
in Carson County
5 corn on 771 acres
3 cotton on 522 acres
Cooperators for 2013: Larry Koetting , Bill Gray,
Lance Williams, Wade Ritter, Dave Davis, Terry
O’Neil
8
Water Quality
Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides
Height: 2-3 ft.
Spread: 2-3 ft.
Low-moderate water
Ag Loans
A total of 323 water quality samples were tested during 2013 at PGCD. Of the 182 samples collected by our staff, six were high in
sulfate, 26 were high in iron, and 11 were high in chloride when compared to the state’s secondary drinking standards. All of the data
from the 182 samples was recorded in the database within 30 days of sampling.
The other 141 water samples were brought into the district office by individuals who had various concerns about their water includ-
ing specific contamination issues, odd odor/taste, establishing a baseline for the future and simple curiosity. Some of these individu-
als bring their water in annually or bi-annually for testing, and we have also seen an increase in requests from realtors selling proper-
ties with water wells that require a water quality report as part of the loan criteria.
State wells with a history of high mineral concentration are
tested annually. In an effort to conserve fuel and reduce
travel throughout the entire district, samples were taken
from Armstrong, Carson, Donley and Gray Counties this
year allowing our staff to collect 100 percent of the samples
in each county visited. Next year samples will be taken
from the other Potter, Roberts and Wheeler counties.
Samples were collected over a six week period. During this
period, a total of 379.5 hours were spent gathering samples,
analyzing them in the laboratory, and entering data.
PGCD is proud to offer water quality testing as a compli-
mentary service to District tax payers.
In 1992, PGCD began its agricultural loan program to
assist qualifying farmers in financing their irrigation
sprinklers. Since then, loans totaling $9,717,759.73 have
been disbursed. Between October 1, 2012 and Septem-
ber 30, 2013 the Board of Directors approved 19 loans
totaling $1,592,679.73 to local producers.
The District has received a total of 19 loans from the
Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Twelve have
been repaid, one was returned and six are outstanding.
AG loan applications received by the District are re-
viewed within 30 day by Ag Loan Consultant Gary Suth-
erland. The date an administratively complete applica-
tion is received is notated on the application.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
Total Iron Sulfate Chloride Nitrate Flouride
Num
ber of
Sam
ple
s
Minerals Exceeding State Standards
Number of Samples Exceeding State Standards
2012
2013
$-
$200,000.00
$400,000.00
$600,000.00
$800,000.00
$1,000,000.00
$1,200,000.00
$1,400,000.00
$1,600,000.00
$1,800,000.00
$2,000,000.00
2005 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012
TWDB AG Loan Balances FY 2013
Original Balance
Current Balance
9
Himalayan Fleeceflower
Polygonum affine
Height: 6-10 in.
Spread: 30 in. plus
Adaptable
Texas Legislature Appropriations (SB 1)
The Texas Legislature retained current funding and staffing
levels for the Texas Water Development Board’s base and $1.8 million for FY 2014 and added $1.8 million for
FY 2015 out of the Agricultural Water Conservation
Fund for the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation
Demonstration Project, a partnership project in the Tex-
as Panhandle to enhance agricultural water efficiency to
extend the life of the Ogallala Aquifer.
$1.5 million for FY 2014 and $1.5 million for FY 2015 from
General Revenue to be used for grants to groundwater conservation districts for agricultural water conservation
(grants will go only to districts which require metering
of water use and may only be used to offset half the cost
of each meter)
Legislation - The Texas Legislature passed the following bills
and sent them to the Governor:
HB 4 (Ritter, et. al./Fraser) – among its extensive provisions
for establishing a new fund for implementation of the state water
plan and for restructuring the Texas Water Development Board,
HB 4 does the following:
Requires the TWDB to undertake to apply not less than 20%
of the money disbursed in each five-year period to sup-
port projects, including agricultural irrigation projects, that are designed for water conservation or reuse
Requires the TWDB to undertake to apply not less than 10%
of the money disbursed in each five-year period to sup-
port projects for rural political subdivisions or agricul-
tural water conservation
Prohibits the use of state financial assistance for a water pro-
ject if the applicant has failed to submit or implement a water conservation plan
Requires regional water planning groups in their prioritiza-
tion of projects for state financial assistance to consider
at a minimum such factors as the feasibility, viability,
sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of a project – fac-
tors which should work in favor of conservation projects
HB 3604 (Burnam, Lucio III/Hegar) – requires an entity to implement its water conservation plan and its drought contingen-
cy plan, as applicable, when it is notified that the Governor has
declared its respective county or counties as a disaster area based
on drought conditions; clarifies the authority of TCEQ to enforce
this requirement [previously the law only required the entity to
implement either plan, despite the fact that water conservation
should be an ongoing activity as contrasted to short-term re-sponses to drought conditions; during the 2011 drought a number
of entities in drought disaster areas reportedly did not implement
mandatory water use restrictions]
SB 198 (Watson/Dukes) – prevents a property owners’ associa-
tion (HOA) from prohibiting or restricting a property owner from
using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural
turf but allows an HOA to require the property owner to submit a
detailed description of a plan for the installation of such land-
scaping or turf for review and approval by the HOA to ensure to
the extent practicable maximum aesthetic compatibility with oth-
er landscaping in the subdivision; the legislation also states that the HOA may not unreasonably deny or withhold approval of the
plan or unreasonably determine that the proposed installation is
aesthetically incompatible
SB 700 (Hegar/Kacal, Raney) – does the following:
Requires the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to
develop a template for state agencies and higher educa-tion institutions to use in preparing their respective com-
prehensive energy and water management plan (such a
plan is already required)
Requires each agency and higher education institution to set
percentage goals for reducing its use of water, electrici-
ty, gasoline, and natural gas and include those goals in
its energy and water management plan
Requires that plan to be updated annually (currently updates are required biennially)
Requires SECO biennially to report to the Governor and the
LBB the state and effectiveness of management and
conservation activities of the agencies and higher educa-
tion institutions
Requires SECO to post that report on its website
The following review of bills that directly affect Groundwater
Conservation Districts:
HB 1563 (Tracy King/ Heagar) Raised the fees of office
for directors of groundwater conservation districts to a
maximum of $250 per meeting.
HB 2414 (Button/Duell) relating to open meetings of gov-ernmental bodies held by videoconference call and to
written electronic communications between members of
a governmental body.
SB 293 (Williams/ Ritter) relating to open meetings of gov-
ernmental bodies held by videoconference call and to
written electronic communications between members of a governmental body.
10
Pink Hardy Ice Plant
Delosperma cooperi
Height: 6 in.
Spread: 24 in.
Once established, low water
Time Tracking
2012-2013 Expenditures Accounting Fees
Appraisal District Fees
Board Expense
Capitol Expense
Car Expense
Contract Labor
Dues
Education/Information
Field Equipment Assets
Field Supplies
Grant Fund
Insurance & Bonds
Janitorial
Meters
Miscellaneous
Office Supplies & Software
Payroll Expenses
$6,448.75
$28,072.52
$14,267.01
$22,566.23
$60,833.02
$412.50
$6,478.89
$29,762.72
$741.62
$4,225.01
$1,750.00
$64,030.59
$3,380.00
$55,178.52
$2,207.21
$20,350.38
$279.54
Payroll Taxes
Postage
Printing
Professional Services
Regional Planning
Repairs & Maintenance
Retirement
Salaries
Scholarships
Service Charges
Tax Increment Payment
Special Studies
Travel & Training
Utilities
Water Quality
Weather Modification
Total
$35,655.77
$5,282.82
$12,095.60
$62,978.71
$15,100.46
$13,571.79
$24,207.17
$439,843.70
$9,000.00
$293.00
$4,570.00
$11,333.33
$30,021.88
$16,323.70
$4,332.64
$219,741.58
$1,225,334.66
11
Well Permitting & Registration
Maiden Hair Grass
Miscanthus sinensis
Height: 4-10 ft.
Spread: 3-6 ft.
Adaptable
The District is currently working on a “permit application checklist”, somewhat like our Ag loan application checklist, that will help
the landowner in the application process. Some items on this checklist include application must be completed prior to drilling, total
contiguous acres associated with this water well, have any portion of the water rights on this land been sold, and a field tech from the
District office must come and verify
spacing of the well location from proper-
ty lines and other wells in the area. It is
important to remember that all water
wells drilled to the water table must have
a completed application before it is
drilled. The three most common water
well registrations are for domestic, stock
and rig supply wells. Wells drilled on
more than 10 acres and pumping less
than 17.4 gallons per minute require a
registration. Rig supply wells generally
produce more than 17.4 gallons per mi-
nute, but they are defined as an exempt
use in Chapter 36 of the Texas Water
Code. Any well that produces more than
17.4 gallons per minute must be permit-
ted, as well as any well drilled on less
than 10 acres. A permit requires the well
to be spaced both from property lines and
other water wells. Once the proposed
well location meets these requirements
and is approved by our field technicians
the application must be approved by the
Board of Directors.
Tables to the left show total water wells
permitted or registered with PGCD for
the 2012-2013 fiscal year and the four
previous years. The registrations and
permits are received by fax, mail and are
often brought in by the landowner or the
driller.
Over all, the total wells drilled, based on
the permitting process is down from the
previous year by 27 percent. The Moni-
toring Well registrations have decreased
from the previous fiscal year. There was
a decrease from 35 registered monitor
wells last year to 14 registered this year.
Well Permits Approved
2012-2013 2011-2012 2010-2011 2009-2010 2008-2009
Armstrong 4 4 2 3 2
Carson 32 27 18 4 20
Donley 28 38 27 12 16
Gray 27 29 14 11 27
Hutchinson 0 0 0 0 0
Potter 36 37 44 43 32
Roberts 0 5 2 5 4
Wheeler 26 22 29 8 14
Total 153 162 136 86 115
Domestic, Stock and Rig Supply Well Registrations Received 2012-2013 2011-2012 2010-2011 2009-2010 2008-2009
Armstrong 22 6 8 6 9
Carson 16 45 6 14 6
Donley 48 69 27 15 32
Gray 27 46 13 23 13
Hutchinson 0 0 0 0 1
Potter 5 10 8 5 19
Roberts 18 19 28 26 50
Wheeler 55 99 80 64 38
Total 191 294 170 153 168
Observation and Monitoring Well Registrations Received 2012-2013 2011-2012 2010-2011 2009-2010 2008-2009
Armstrong 0 0 0 0 0
Carson 0 0 0 0 0
Donley 0 0 0 1 0
Gray 0 9 5 3 0
Hutchinson 0 0 0 0 0
Potter 11 24 51 0 0
Roberts 0 0 0 0 11
Wheeler 3 2 7 2 0
Total 14 35 63 6 11
12
District Activity
Prairie Coneflower
Ratibida columnifera
Height: 18-24 in.
Spread: 12-18 in.
Low water
OCTOBER 2012 10/9 TWCA Legislative Committee Meeting in Austin
10/10 CRMWA meeting in Sanford
10/18 WCAC meeting in Austin adopting Council’s Report to the Legislature
10/24 TWCA fall meeting in San Antonio
10/25 Weather Modification conference in San Angelo via Skype
TALL Class Dinner Reception in Amarillo
10/29 TAGD quarterly meeting in Conroe
10/30 PGCD Carson County Water Festival in Panhandle
NOVEMBER 2012 11/3 Participated in Boy Scout Badge Day at Camp Don Harrington
11/5 Pantex meeting in Panhandle
11/17 Presentation on “Some Historic Drought Conditions versus Current Weather
Conditions at the Historical Prospective of the Dust Bowl and
the Drought of the 1950’s in Pampa
11/27 Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show
11/28 Gray County Ag Fair
11/28 High Plains Ag Committee meeting in Amarillo
DECEMBER 2013 12/4 IRS approval of the 2013 IRS Depletion map
12/5 TAGD Legislative meeting in Austin
12/6 TWCA Board meeting in Austin
12/10 Arc computer software training in Austin
12/11 Records Retention training in Amarillo
JANUARY 2013 1/6 AMS Conference in Austin, T. Boone Pickens giving speech
1/8 Weather Modification session in Austin
1/9 GMDA Conference in Austin
1/17 Irrigation Conference in Amarillo
WCAC meeting in Austin
Weather Modification presentation to Nation Weather Service
in Amarillo
1/23 Water Foundation meeting in Austin
1/24 TWRA-TWCA Water Law Conference in Austin
1/29 Senate Natural Resources meeting in Austin
FEBRUARY 2013 2/5 Legislative Session in Austin
2/12 Legislative Session in Austin
2/19 Legislative Session in Austin
2/24 Ag Water Forum in Austin
2/26 TAGD Quarterly Meeting in Austin
2/28 High Plains GAM Stakeholders meeting in Amarillo
MARCH 2013 3/5 Ogallala Aquifer Workshop in Amarillo
3/6 TWCA meeting in Austin
WCAC meeting in Austin
3/7 Carson County Ag Fair
3/11 Public Funds Investment Act Workshop in Amarillo
C. E. Williams, left, Presiding Officer of TWCAC presented the awards
at the 2012 Farm and Ranch Show. Blue Legacy Award Winners —
Bob Meyer, David Brauer, Dr. Kevin Wagner, Nicholas Kenney, Scott
Strawn, Krysty Synatschk, J. R. Sprague Michael Bragg, and Brad
Easterling
Participant’s, Wade, Ritter, in the More Crop for the Drop program
2012 cotton crop which made 2009 ib./acre.
13
Fiscal Year Timeline
Red Valerian
Centrathus ruber
Height: 2-3 ft.
Spread: 18-24 in.
Low-moderate water
3/12 Legislative Session in Austin
3/19 Legislative Session in Austin
3/21 Presentation at Wheeler City Extension meeting on Drought
3/26 Legislative Session in Austin and Testified on numerous bills
APRIL 2013 4/3 Water Conservation presentation to Pampa Rotary Club
4/4 Domestic Water Conservation meeting at City of Amarillo
4/5 Regional Planning Committee meeting in Amarillo
4/8 House Natural Resources meeting in Austin
4/9 Legislative Session in Austin
4/15 Legislative Session in Austin
4/16 MC4TD meeting with producers at District Office
4/20 Conservation Awareness Booth at Amarillo Zoo
4/22 Legislative Session in Austin
4/23 Water Conservation Program to Girl Scouts in Panhandle
Water Conservation Program to Pampa Desk & Derrick
Club in Pampa
4/24 City top 20 producers meeting in Amarillo
MAY 2013 5/4 Water Conservation Booth at Botanical Gardens
5/6 Legislative Session in Austin
5/9 WCAC meeting in Austin
5/13 Legislative Session in Austin
5/29 TAGD meeting in Austin
JUNE 2013 6/4 Water Conservation program at White Deer Library
6/19 TWCA meeting in Galveston
6/24 Pantex meeting on payment on lew of taxes
JULY 2013 7/18 Legislative planning committee meeting in Austin
7/19 PGCD hosted Water Efficiency Meeting with producers in District Office
7/23 GMDA 1 meeting in Amarillo
7/23 PRPC meeting in Amarillo
7/30 Interim Legislative meeting in Austin
AUGUST 2013 8/26 Water Conservation Advisory Council meeting in Austin
8/27 Presentation on permitting at TAGC meeting in San Marcos
SEPTEMBER 2013 9/4 TWCA Prioritization Committee meeting on Proposition 6 in Austin
9/9 Position of assistant Professor/Agronomist candidates review at Texas A&M
Extension Service in Amarillo
9/10 PGCD hosted Growers Meeting at the District Office
9/11 Position of assistant Professor/Agronomist candidates review at Texas A&M
Extension Service in Amarillo, second meeting
9/12 TWCA Prioritization Committee meeting on Proposition 6 in Austin
Texas Desalinization Conference in Austin
Girl Scouts in Panhandle draw about water conservation.
Growers meeting in PGCD Office September 10, 2013.
14
Education
Blue Woolly Speedwell
Veronica pectinata
Height: 3 in.
Spread: 18 in.
Low water with occasional soak
PGCD’s education program has
reached out to schools across the
District since 1999, educating our
youth on the importance of water
conservation.
The presentation covers topics
including water conservation, the
water cycle, aquifer knowledge,
where our water comes from ,
water facts and playa lakes.
Students get the opportunity to
share their knowledge about wa-
ter conservation and come up
with ways that they can conserve
water at home.
“I promise to turn the faucet off when brushing my
teeth, to take shorter showers, and to always be
conscious of water use. I will also teach my family
and friends about the importance of saving water.”
Atmosphere
Land
Soil
PGCD’s ultimate goal is to reach 100% of the students in our District. In
our management plan it is stated that our staff must reach at least 80%,
which is at least 37 out of the 52 schools, each year in our District. This
year we surpassed that goal by presenting to 46 of the schools.
Also stated in the management plan is to present the Water Warrior
Presentation to at least 3 public school settings outside of school. Our
staff presented at Window on a Wider World, the Carson County Water
Festival and the Gray County Ag Fair.
15
Precipitation Enhancement
Cosmos, Mexican Aster
Cosmos bipinnatus
Height: 2-4 ft.
Spread: 6-12 in.
Low water
2012 Season Flight Information
Days
Seed
Flights
Recon
Flights
Flight
Hours
April 7 4 5 14
May 3 2 3 6
June 6 7 3 19
July 6 7 3 21
August 5 6 0 17
September 4 3 1 7
Totals 31 29 15 84
The new year begins with hopes of more rainfall and cooler
temperatures, and anticipation that the record breaking weather
of 2012 will come to an end. According to the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2012 was the warm-
est year on record in the United States. Record heat was due to a
combination of a long-term warming trend combined with
drought and a northerly jet stream. NOAA reported that the av-
erage temperature for 2012 was 55.3 degrees Fahrenheit, which
is 3.2 degrees above normal and a full degree higher than the
previous warmest year on record, 1998. Limited rainfall also
continued to be a trend as about 60 percent of the United States
was listed in the moderate to extreme drought categories based
on the Palmer Drought Index at the end of November, according
the National Climatic Data Center. This percentage of drought
broke the second highest record of 58 percent set in 1956, but
remained below the first record set in 1934 at 79.9 percent.
As the United States as a whole broke records this past year, the
Texas Panhandle was no exception. During 2012, eight new
maximum temperatures were set from May to August, and on
August 3 the new monthly maximum was set at 107. According
to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas, 2012 is
considered the second warmest year on record. Rainfall totals in
most areas were double the 2011 record low amounts, but still
only registered roughly half the normal rainfall totals. Amarillo
saw 12.33 inches of precipitation this year which is 8.03 inches
below normal, and White Deer saw 14.15 inches. Table 1 shows
the average amount of rainfall for the District’s counties from
April-September Rainfall Averages
Comparing 2010-2012 in Inches
2010 2011 Diff 2012 Diff
Armstrong 22.83 4.75 -18.08 12.62 7.87
Carson 24.04 5.69 -18.35 11.74 6.05
Donley 27.09 3.38 -23.71 14.78 11.40
Gray 23.13 4.83 -18.30 15.68 10.85
Potter 17.76 2.98 -14.78 9.07 6.09
Roberts 18.42 4.97 -13.45 12.21 7.24
Wheeler 25.54 4.79 -20.75 16.67 11.88
2010 to 2012 and how they compare.
These high temperatures and low rainfall totals are lasting ef-
fects of the La Niña that plagued the Texas Panhandle through-
out 2011, but finally dissipated in April 2012. The sea surface
temperatures moved from below-average or La Niña to slightly
above-average across the central and eastern Pacific signifying
the start of neutral conditions. These neutral conditions allowed
a few more storm systems to move across the Texas Panhandle
this summer providing several more precipitation enhancement
opportunities than 2011. The Panhandle Groundwater Conserva-
tion District’s (PGCD) Precipitation Enhancement Program
kicked off its thirteenth season on April 10, and concluded the
season on September 30. Table 2 shows the number of days
flown, seeding missions, reconnaissance flights and hours flown
per month through the 2012 season.
The seeding season was considered a success, providing on av-
erage a 10.5 percent rainfall increase per county according to
Active Influence and Scientific Management. This increase was
calculated using real-time rain gauge measurements collected
throughout the District, and by comparing the radar data of
seeded clouds to the non-seeded clouds. This increase calculated
to an average of 1.50 inches of additional rainfall per county
within the PGCD target area. Active Influence and Scientific
Management analyzed a total of 35 clouds in 25 operational
days. The results were evaluated as excellent with timing of
seeding at 86 percent. The cost of the program per acre was cal-
culated at $0.366.
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District Activity
Clary Sage
Salvia sclarea
Height: 3 ft.
Spread: 1-2 ft.
Normally low. More in hot, dry
Management Plan Check List 2012-2013
Goal Goal Details Completed
1 Achieve the Desired Future Conditions Adopted by the PGCD
1.1a Winter Water Level Present-
ed to Board of Directors
837 WLM used to produce 1.25% saturat-ed thickness map and was presented to
the board. (05/17/13) completed
1.1B Evaluate the sum of declines Most recent saturated thickness map
developed and published. (2008) completed
1.1C Determine non-exempt water
pumping volumes annually and report to board
Amounts were determined, but not re-ported to the board.
not completed
1.2A Annual Review of depletion Study Areas presented to the board
(06/28/2013) completed
1.2B Update saturated thickness
map on district's webiste http://pgcd.us/programs/mapping completed
1.3A Presented a comprehensive technical work plan for the
Dockum Aquifer
See memo for change in direction on this goal.
completed
1.3B Baseline for Dockum Aquifer See memo for change in direction on this
goal. completed
1.4A Technical work plan for the
Blaine Aquifer and present to board
See memo for change in direction on this goal.
completed
1.4B Baseline for Blaine Aquifer See memo for change in direction on this
goal. completed
2 Providing for the most efficient use of groundwater
2.1A Measuer water levels in at
least 90% of the wells in the District's Network
826 measured of 874 wells (95%) by March 14
completed
2.1B Annual Depletion Map Published in the July 2013 Panhandle
Water News completed
2.1C IRS Depletion Map IRS Map 2012 approved on (12/04/12) completed
2.2A Ag Loan Reminder In Panhandle Water News (January 2013,
April 2013, May 2013) completed
2.2B Review ag loan applications
within 30 days Granted 19 loans at a total of
$1,592,679.73 completed
2.3A Publish Panhandle Water News on a quarterly basis
October 2012, January, April, May, July 2013
completed
2.3B Attend the Farm & Ranch
show each year 11/27/2012 completed
2.4A Attend and participate in 80%
of TAGD, TWCA and GMDA meetings
Out of 14 meetings, CE attended: 5 TAGD, 7 TWCA and 2 GMDA; 100%
completed
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Globe Amaranth
Gomphrene globosa
Height: 10-20 in.
Spread: 10-20 in.
Once established, little water
2.5A Flow meter data for at least 90%
annually 541 of 569 meters were recorded. (95%) completed
2.5B Fix bad flow meters within 14 days
of notice All meters were serviced in a timely manner. See
memo for changes in measuring goal. completed
2.5C review and prepare revised esti-
mates to TWDB annual agriculture water estimates
Reported to TWDB 05/31/2013 completed
3 Controlling and Preventing Waste of Groundwater
3.1A
All complaints of waste will be recorded, investigated and report-ed to land owner within 2 business
days
One complaint. Reported and investigated the same day, December 17, 2012
completed
3.1B report each complaint to board with staff recommendation for
resolution
December 17, 2012 complaint was reported to the board on January 30, 2013.
completed
3.2A Summary review of at least 10% of
municipal water supply systems Recommendation to amend management plan by
removing this goal not accomplished
4 Implement Strategies to Address Drought Conditions
4.1A Ensure drought contingency plan
for multiple well permits
All prvevious permitted wells have drought con-tingency plans in place. CA-1083-A2-Multi ob-
tained extension for permit and drought contin-gency plan was included.
completed
4.2A Provide a link to the NOAA drought
monitor http://pgcd.us/links/ completed
4.3A Assessment of the MC4TD program reported to the Board of Directors
http://pgcd.us (03/22/2013) completed
5 Implement Strategies to Address Conjunctive Surface Water Management Issues
5.1 The district manager will partici-
pate in 75% of PWPG meetings and activities (2011-2016)
Attended 100% completed
6 Implement Strategies That Will Address Natural Resource Issues
6.1A Sample 40% of the water quality
network by September 1 each year 182 total samples were tested completed
6.1B Record water quality data in data-
base within 30 days sampling 323 water quality samples were collected and
recorded in the database completed
6.2A Record Stream flow measurements
bi monthly Recorded 8 measurements. completed
6.2B Prepare and include assessment of
impacts on White Deer Creek Completed 11/06/2012 completed
18
Continued...
Blue Flax
Linum perenne var. lewisii
Height: 12-18 in.
Spread: 12 in.
Low-moderate water
7 Improve Operating Efficiency and Customer Service
7.1A Provide requested flow tests within
two working days and enter into database
See memo for change in direction on this goal. completed
7.1B Managers action on well drilling permits within 5 working days of
receipt See memo for change in direction on this goal. completed
7.1C Efficiency Evaluations returned to
customer within three working days of test completions
See memo for change in direction on this goal. completed
7.1D Provide well camera service within 2 working days and archive DVD to
library See memo for change in direction on this goal. completed
8 Addressing Precipitation Enhancement
8.1A Annually conduct program from
April to September 30 April 9- September 30, 2012 completed
8.1B Calculate the baseline costs for the
program by December 1 of each year
$.0366/acre completed
8.1C Collect and record rain gauge read-
ing at least bimonthly completed
8.2A Publish an article about the pro-gram in at least 2 issues of PWN
January and July 2013 completed
8.2B Provide at least 2 article about the
program to all local newspapers Weekly Rain Report in White Deer Newspaper completed
8.2C At least 2 presentations annually to
a public or civic group Miami Lions Club (11/27/12), National Weather
Service (01/17/13) completed
9 Addressing Conservation
9.1A Annually make at least 10 civic
education presentations
White Deer Museum (11/17/12), Miami Lions Club (11/27/12), National Weather Service
(01/17/13), Wheeler County AgriLife (03/21/13), Pampa Rotary Club (04/13/13), Amarillo Zoo
(04/20/13), Girl Scouts (04/23/13), Pampa Desk & Derrick Club (04/23/13), White Deer Library (06/04/13), Window on a Wider World Day x3
completed
9.1B Annually make 37 elementary
school presentations Presented at a total of 46 schools within the dis-
trict completed
9.1C Annually provide at least 3 scholar-ships (student essay competition)
Winners: Zachary Berry of Panhandle, Tess J. Rusk of Panhandle and Kyler Barkley of Groom
(May 2013 PWN) completed
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Yarrow
Achillea species
Height: 2-4 in.
Spread: 6 in. -3 ft.
Once established, drought tolerant
9.1D Water Warrior Presentation to at least 3 public school settings out-
side of school
Window on a Wider World day (10/16/12), Car-son County Water Festival (10/30/12), Gray
County Ag Fair (11/28/12) completed
9.1E Organize or co-host a conservation
symposium at least every other year beginning in 2012
Amarillo Civic Center (2/8/12) completed
10 Rainwater Harvesting
10.1A Webpage Highlighting the district's
rainwater harvesting system and information about tours
http://pgcd.us/programs/ completed
10.1B Provide a link to TWDB rainwater
harvesting webpage http://pgcd.us/links/ completed
11 Recharge Enhancement
11.1A Document the number of TWDB meetings held in the region and number attended by PGCD staff
Thee meetings documented and all attended by CE Williams.
completed
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Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District
201 W 3rd/ P.O. Box 637
White Deer, Texas 79097
(806) 883-2501
www.pgcd.us