Alpine
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.
“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: meadowsresearchinstitute.sulross.edu/water-in-the-desert-2026