Helping Ag Producers Make Every Gallon Count

The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District is rolling out a new Agricultural Production Meter Program to help farmers and landowners better understand how much groundwater they are using and how to use it more efficiently.

With support from a $50,000 matching grant from the Texas Water Development Board, LPGCD is partnering with agricultural producers across Bastrop and Lee Counties to install flow meters on irrigation and agricultural wells. These meters give producers real numbers they can use to plan irrigation, reduce waste, and protect the aquifers that keep farms running.

Irrigation makes up nearly 70 percent of groundwater use in Texas, which means even small improvements can make a big difference. Similar programs in other parts of the state have reduced water use by around 10 percent, proving that good data leads to smarter decisions.

Here’s how the program works:

• LPGCD purchases the flow meter
• The producer installs the meter
• LPGCD reimburses installation costs

Agricultural wells producing up to 200 acre-feet per year are required to have meters, and LPGCD is here to make that process easier and more affordable.

When producers can see exactly how much water they’re using, they can irrigate more efficiently, save money, and help protect groundwater for the long term. Measuring water use strengthens agriculture today while supporting water availability for tomorrow.

Interested in participating? Call (512) 360-5088 to learn more about the Agricultural Production Meter Program. You can also go to our website: Agricultural Production Meter Program Webpage