Videos, session recaps and conference materials from the recent Water in the Desert 2026 conference are now available online through the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water.
The conference, held in February at Sul Ross State University, brought together more than 350 landowners, researchers, policymakers, groundwater conservation district leaders, nonprofit partners and community members to discuss water challenges and solutions across Far West Texas.
Hosted by the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water, the event focused on issues ranging from groundwater management to collaborative conservation strategies aimed at supporting communities, agriculture and wildlife in the Trans-Pecos region.
“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 institute. “If you joined us, I hope you’ll revisit a few sessions. If you couldn’t attend, this is your chance to catch up.”
Organizers said attendance at the 2026 conference increased significantly from the inaugural 2024 event, reflecting growing concern over regional water issues and momentum behind science-based collaboration.
Conference videos, written session summaries and additional materials are available free to the public through the institute’s online conference archives.
Major sponsors for the event included Horizon Foundation, Dixon Water Foundation and Reeves County Groundwater Conservation District. 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 conference program was developed in collaboration with several organizations, including Sul Ross State University, the 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.
The Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water, housed at Sul Ross State University, focuses on applied research, education and technical assistance related to water systems in arid regions. Organizers said the institute aims to connect scientists, students, landowners and communities while developing practical water stewardship strategies for the Trans-Pecos and other desert landscapes.
