Recharge and Water-Quality Controls for a Karst Aquifer in Central Texas
The Edwards Aquifer is a prolific karst aquifer system in Central Texas that provides drinking water to about 2 million people. Because a significant portion of the water recharging the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer enters the subsurface through caves and enlarged fractures in the bed of Onion Creek, the presence of nonpoint source […]
Hydrogeology of the Saline Edwards Zone, Southeast Travis County, Central Texas
Summary Increased demand for water in central Texas is causing water users and providers to look for additional sources of water. The saline portion of the Edwards Aquifer (saline Edwards Aquifer) has often been mentioned as a source of water for desalination or aquifer storage and recovery (ASR). The resource has not previously been considered […]
Cover-Collapse Sinkhole Development in the Cretaceous Edwards Limestone, Central Texas
Sudden cover-collapse sinkhole (doline) development is uncommon in the karstic Cretaceous-age Edwards limestone of central Texas. This paper presents a case-study of a sinkhole that formed within a stormwater retention pond (SWRP) in southwest Austin. Results presented include hydrogeologic characterizations, fate of stormwater, and mitigation of the sinkhole. On January 24, 2012, a 11 cm […]
Status Report for Aquifer Storage and Recovery Pilot Project: Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation, Hays County, Central Texas
The Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation (RRWSC) and the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (District) cooperated on a project to test the Middle Trinity Aquifer as a reservoir for storage and recovery of fresh Edwards Aquifer groundwater. In March 2017, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) granted permission to conduct an ASR pilot project […]
30 Years of Aquifer Science
Summary document (Fact Sheet 08-2017) of the major categories of District scientific studies and their implications for aquifer management. Compiled in honor of the District’s 30 year anniversary since it was created in 1987.
Surface-water and Groundwater Interactions in the Blanco River and Onion Creek Watersheds: Implications for the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers of Central Texas
Recent groundwater studies reveal complex surface and groundwater interactions within the streams that link the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers of the Hill Country and Balcones Fault Zone. Current numerical models do not adequately account for these interactions. The purpose of this paper is to summarize recent studies within the Blanco River and Onion Creek watersheds. […]
Hydraulic Conductivity Testing in the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers Using Multiport Monitor Well Systems, Hays County, Central Texas
Hydraulic conductivity is one of the defining characteristics of hydrostratigraphic units. Detailed and quantified permeability information from the units comprising the Edwards and Trinity Groups is lacking in central Texas. These rock groups comprise important karstic and fractured carbonate aquifers. To better manage water resources and understand fate and transport of contaminants, the hydraulic parameters […]
Surface-Water and Groundwater Interactions along Onion Creek, Central Texas
Onion Creek is an important hydrologic link between two major aquifers in Central Texas. Multiple small springs discharging from the Trinity Aquifers sustain base flow in Onion Creek, which in turn recharges the Edwards Aquifer, ultimately discharging at Barton and San Marcos Springs. The creek generally contains clear, low nutrient water with high ecological and […]
