Carmon McCain was named interim manager of the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 (HPWD) during a June 24 special meeting of the district’s Board of Directors.

The appointment was made after the recent announcement that Jim Conkwright is retiring June 30.

Conkwright served 12 years as HPWD manager (2001-2013) and before that 14 years as Precinct Four District Director representing the portions of Armstrong, Deaf Smith, Potter, and Randall Counties within the district (1978-1992).

“The Board wishes Jim Conkwright all the best on his retirement. We thank him for 26 years of dedicated service to the High Plains Water District,” said Board President Lynn Tate of Amarillo.

“We appreciate Carmon McCain’s willingness to serve as interim manager, and have confidence in his abilities,” Tate said.

McCain joined the HPWD staff in April 1987 as Information/Education supervisor. Some of his duties include publishing The Cross Section, the district’s monthly newsletter; writing and distributing news releases; writing and producing radio and television announcements; giving public presentations; maintaining the district’s web site; and assisting students in learning the importance of water and water conservation.

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He will serve in both positions until a new manager is named.

McCain is a 23-year member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). He has received seven Watermark awards from the Texas Section AWWA for efforts to raise public knowledge about water issues in Texas.

McCain is a past district governor of Lions Clubs International. In addition, he is a member and former chairman of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce’s water conservation council.

He and his wife have an adult daughter.

Created in 1951 by local residents and the Texas Legislature, the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 is charged with the responsibility of conserving, preserving, protecting, and preventing waste of groundwater within its 16-county service area. The High Plains Water District is the first underground water conservation district created in Texas.

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