a new aquifer for Texas?

The Texas Water Development Board is considering adding a new minor aquifer, the Cross Timbers Aquifer, to the list of 30 aquifers in Texas formally named by the agency. There are currently 9 major aquifers and 21 minor aquifers recognized by the Board (major aquifers have high productivity over large areas whereas minor aquifers have either high productivity over a small area or low productivity over a large area). Adding the aquifer requires amending the state water plan, so the agency recently held a public hearing to collect public comment before making a final decision.

The proposed Cross Timbers Aquifer consists of Paleozoic-aged rocks west of Fort Worth and Waco and covers a rather large area of 11,800 square miles (bigger than Vermont!). Groundwater use between 2010 and 2015 averaged about 23,500 acre-feet per year. If you’ve enjoyed the reincarnation of Crazy Water from Mineral Wells, you’ve quenched your thirst with the Cross Timbers!