Shallowater is a city in Lubbock County, Texas, with a population of approximately 3,000. Shallowater is on U.S. Route 84 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line, about 12 miles northwest of Lubbock, and is within the Lubbock metropolitan statistical area. Prostitution activity has been well-documented throughout  Lubbock County, and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates results in complaints to law enforcement agencies from residents and businesses. Among the more serious crimes associated with the local commercial sex market is sex trafficking.

Consumer level demand provides the revenue stream for all prostitution and sex trafficking, and demand reduction tactics have been used in the city.  For example, in January, 2023, a man arrested in the “Operation Blue Rain” reverse sting in Lubbock was terminated from his employment with the Shallowater Independent School District. The man was one of 22 charged with solicitation of prostitution. He was booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center and later released. Following his arrest, Shallowater ISD placed him on paid administrative leave pending its own investigation. In a subsequent statement provided to KCBD by the district, it was confirmed that the man was no longer employed by the ISD as of Jan. 25.