Lubbock preparing to set Ogallala limits

The High Plains Groundwater Conservation District 1 held its first meeting on setting draw limits for the Ogallala, and on setting rules to enforce those limits. This was the first public meeting on the issue. Farmers, who represent 90 percent of the draw on the Ogallala, seem resigned to moving to dryland farming, but also hold a grudge against urban folks who use their water to do things like keep lawns green. Those laid pack daddies are starting to get tense.

To wit, this letter that artfully incorporates warning of growing Panhandle agribusiness and its water use with fears of increased illegal immigration.

Preliminary limits and rules are due to be presented to the Lege in 2009.