The newly launched Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water at Sul Ross State University has announced the speaker lineup for the 2026 Water in the Desert Conference, set for Feb. 11–13 in Alpine.
The three-day event will bring together elected officials, state conservation leaders, water scientists, landowners, resource managers and community leaders to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of water in Far West Texas.
The conference builds on the success of the inaugural 2024 Water in the Desert gathering and reflects the growing regional demand for informed, practical dialogue around groundwater, surface water, infrastructure investment and stewardship in one of the most arid regions of the state.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chairman and West Texas Landowner Paul L. Foster will open the main conference program, joined by state and local leaders from across the Trans-Pecos. The agenda also includes members of the Texas Legislature, county judges representing rural West Texas communities and U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales, who will offer closing remarks.
Nationally recognized water expert Brian Richter, author and president of Sustainable Waters, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on water scarcity and solutions in a drying climate. Additional sessions will explore groundwater science, produced water, data center demand, legislative action, county-level challenges and emerging research initiatives underway in West Texas.
Conference speakers also include leadership from the Texas Water Development Board, including Ashley Morgan, director, and John Dupnik, deputy executive administrator for the Office of Water Science and Conservation. Groundwater Conservation District directors, long-time West Texas landowners and regional practitioners will share on-the-ground perspectives from managing water in arid landscapes.
“This conference is where the big conversations about West Texas water are happening,” said Billy Tarrant, interim director of the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water. “You’ll hear directly from the people shaping water policy, managing land and infrastructure, advancing science and living with the consequences of these decisions every day. If you care about the future of water in this region, this is where you need to be.”
The program begins Wednesday, Feb. 11, with afternoon spotlight sessions designed to provide context on regional land, drought and climate trends. Thursday features a full day of presentations, panel discussions, and networking, concluding with a closing reception at the Museum of the Big Bend. Optional field trips on Friday, Feb. 13, will give participants the opportunity to visit springs, rangelands, restoration sites and conservation projects across the region, including Balmorhea State Park.
Throughout the conference, attendees will also hear brief presentations highlighting priority research areas of the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water, including groundwater–surface water interactions, spring and aquatic ecosystems and applied science supporting land and water stewardship in the Trans-Pecos.
Landowners attending the conference will have the opportunity to participate in free well water quality testing, offered in partnership with the Texas Well Owner’s Network. Participants are encouraged to bring properly collected samples from household wells for analysis and consultation with water professionals.
Early-bird registration is $75 through Jan. 16, after which the rate increases to $95. Organizers encourage early registration, as space is limited and lodging in Alpine fills quickly.
Registration & Details: bri.sulross.edu/events/water-in-the-desert-2026