Hereford water plan warns of Ogallala Aquifer shortages as city grows
The City of Hereford, Texas, has developed a long-range water plan warning of potential shortages from the Ogallala Aquifer within 12 years if current usage continues. City leaders are focused on conservation and note that a planned data center in Deaf Smith County could help reduce agricultural water demand by converting irrigated farmland.
Hereford, Texas, has completed a year-long effort to develop a long-range water plan, revealing that the city could face reduced water availability from the Ogallala Aquifer within the next 12 years if current usage rates persist. City Manager Ryan Polster stated that the plan, developed with HDR Engineering, highlights the need for significant water reduction.
Chris Grotegut, president of the Hereford Economic Development Corp., noted that the community could begin to experience water supply issues between 2028 and 2039, stemming from more usage than the current well field can support. Polster emphasized that conservation efforts will be crucial, particularly a major reduction in center-pivot irrigation.
Grotegut also suggested that a planned data center in Deaf Smith County could offer a significant hydrologic benefit. By transitioning farmland from agricultural irrigation to another form of energy production, the data center could help alleviate the strain on the aquifer. City leaders plan to collaborate with agricultural and industrial water users to find solutions for a sustainable water supply.