Episode 115: Playas Work for Texans: Recharge, Restoration, and Tomorrow’s Water

Tillery Timmons-Sims visits with Joe Richards of Playa Lakes Joint Venture and Tomorrow’s Water to talk about the vital role playas play in groundwater recharge across the High Plains. Joe explains how these temporary wetlands function, why they matter for the Ogallala Aquifer, and how restored playas can support water quality, wildlife habitat, community water planning, and long-term agricultural resilience.

The conversation covers playa restoration, conservation programs, landowner incentives, municipal water needs, and the importance of including playas in broader water strategies. It’s a practical and hopeful look at how restoring these often-overlooked wetlands can help protect tomorrow’s water for farms, communities, and future generations.