High Plains Water District rules prohibit open, uncovered wells and deteriorating wells to exist within the District's boundaries. Closing open, unused irrigation wells ("open holes”) and deteriorated wells ("cave-ins") protects the Ogallala Aquifer from pollution and prevents tragic loss of human and/or animal life. When located, HPWD staff works with the landowner and/or operator to properly cover the well.
Click here to download the TDLR's Landowners' Guide to Plugging Abandoned Water Wells.
The loss of irrigation water ("tailwater") from the land on which it is produced is a violation of Texas state law and the rules of the HPWD. Irrigation water waste is investigated the same day it is reported to the District headquarters office in Lubbock. In most instances, documenting tailwater with photographs and a written report to the landowner is all that is needed to resolve the issue.