Starting in early January, Permian Basin Underground Water Conservation District (PBUWCD) personnel perform annual depth-to-water level measurements. The data collected helps the PBUWCD determine the effect of the pumpage on groundwater levels in the aquifers, the Ogallala aquifer being the largest within Howard and Martin counties. Water level measurements are made in a network of wells, most privately owned.

A blue vinyl sticker with the observation well number, the depth-to-water level measurement, and the date of the measurement is affixed to the well equipment or other appropriate surface near the well site.

Water district personnel measure the same wells in the observation well network each year, as long as the individual wells provide satisfactory data. The data collected is used to determine the annual change in water levels of the aquifers within the district.