The recent Water in the Desert conference in Alpine brought together landowners, researchers, policymakers and community leaders for important conversations about the future of water in West Texas. Hosted by the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water, the conference highlighted both the challenges facing the region and the collaborative solutions taking shape across the Trans-Pecos.
Now, the ideas and insights shared during the conference are available online. Videos from every conference session, along with written session recaps and conference materials, are available free to the public on the institute’s website.
Read About and Watch the Sessions
“From groundwater challenges to practical solutions, the discussions in Alpine made one thing clear: progress depends on shared knowledge and strong partnerships,” said Billy Tarrant, interim director of the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water. “If you joined us, I hope you’ll revisit a few sessions. If you couldn’t attend, this is your chance to catch up.”
More than 350 landowners, scientists, groundwater conservation district leaders, legislators, judges, nonprofit partners and community members gathered at Sul Ross State University for Water in the Desert 2026 in February, the first major event hosted by the newly launched Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water. The strong turnout, up significantly from the inaugural 2024 conference, underscored both the urgency of water challenges in Far West Texas and the growing momentum behind a coordinated, science-driven response.
You can find the conference material here: Water in the Desert 2026 Conference Archives – Meadows Research Institute
ABOUT WATER IN THE DESERT 2026
Water in the Desert 2026 was hosted and organized by the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water at Sul Ross State University. The conference was made possible through the generous financial support of major sponsors Horizon Foundation, Dixon Water Foundation and Reeves County Groundwater Conservation District, whose leadership investment ensured the event remained accessible and affordable to attendees from across the region.
Additional sponsors included Brewster County Groundwater Conservation District, Environmental Defense Fund, EHT–Enprotec Hibbs & Todd, Frontier Development Inc., Rio Grande Joint Venture, Texas Wildlife Association and The Nature Conservancy.
The quality and depth of the program were shaped by a collaborative team of organizing partners, including Sul Ross State University, Borderlands Research Institute, Environmental Defense Fund, Rio Grande Joint Venture, Texas Water Foundation, Texas Agricultural Land Trust, Dixon Water Foundation, Texas Wildlife Association, The Nature Conservancy, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.
ABOUT THE MEADOWS RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR WEST TEXAS WATER
Housed at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water advances collaborative water solutions in Far West Texas through applied research, education and technical assistance that serve people, land and wildlife. The institute connects scientists, students, landowners, communities and partners to deepen understanding of desert water systems, prepare the next generation of water professionals and translate science into practical tools. While rooted in the Trans-Pecos, its work informs water stewardship across other arid landscapes facing similar challenges.
Photo: Dr. Louis Harveson, Billy Tarrant and Eric Meadows have been the guiding forces of the new Institute and the Water in the Desert conference. Photo by Brenda Ladd Photography.