The Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water has announced the speaker lineup for the 2026 Water in the Desert Conference, scheduled for Feb. 11–13 in Alpine.
Hosted at Sul Ross State University, the three-day conference will bring together elected officials, conservation leaders, scientists, landowners, water managers, and community leaders to examine water challenges and opportunities in Far West Texas, one of the most arid regions of the state.
The event builds on the momentum of the inaugural 2024 Water in the Desert conference and reflects growing regional interest in groundwater availability, surface water management, infrastructure investment, and long-term stewardship.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chairman and West Texas landowner Paul L. Foster will open the main conference program. Speakers will also include members of the Texas Legislature, county judges from rural West Texas, and U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, who is scheduled to deliver closing remarks.
The keynote address will be delivered by nationally recognized water expert Brian Richter, author and president of Sustainable Waters, who will focus on water scarcity and adaptation strategies in a drying climate.
Additional sessions will examine groundwater science, produced water, data center demand, legislative developments, county-level challenges, and emerging water research initiatives across West Texas.
Conference speakers also include leadership from the Texas Water Development Board, including Director Ashley Morgan and Deputy Executive Administrator John Dupnik. Groundwater Conservation District directors, long-time West Texas landowners, and regional practitioners will provide on-the-ground perspectives on 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. “Participants will hear directly from those shaping policy, advancing science, and living with the consequences of water decisions every day.”
The program begins Wednesday, Feb. 11, with afternoon spotlight sessions focused on regional land use, drought, and climate trends. Thursday will feature a full day of presentations, panel discussions, and networking, concluding with a reception at the Museum of the Big Bend. Optional field trips on Friday, Feb. 13, will allow participants 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 ecosystems, and applied science supporting land and water stewardship.
Landowners attending the conference will have access to free well water quality testing through a partnership with the Texas Well Owner’s Network. Participants are encouraged to bring properly collected household well samples for analysis and consultation.
Early-bird registration is $75 through Jan. 16. The registration fee increases to $95 after that date. Organizers note that space is limited and lodging in Alpine typically fills quickly.
