People have generally heard about Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, and Austin, but how many have heard of Donna, Mila Doce, or Rangerville? Most Texans will be familiar with Brownsville, Harlingen, and McAllen, but how many folks outside of Texas have heard of 'em? My guess? Not many. And if they have, … Continue reading the lower rio grande valley needs to brand itself as the valleyplex
san marcos springs are the largest springs in texas (and that sucks)
I looked around city hall in New Braunfels, home of Comal Springs, but didn't see a trophy to claim for this biggest-spring honor
the day(s) las moras springs went dry
Image from SAEN (1964d) Back in February, Dee Dee Starks Brown posted an article on Facebook from the San Antonio Express-News noting that the first time Las Moras Springs went dry was in "mid-July" of 1964 (thanks Dee Dee!). So its been on my to-do list to dig up this article and see what else … Continue reading the day(s) las moras springs went dry
vaya con aquas, aquadoc
This is heartbreaking news... I've been a big fan and acquaintance of Mike Campana for many years extending back to his days the University of New Mexico in the 1990s. He had such good, positive energy and an inspiring desire to share his knowledge with everyone via conferences, his Water Wired blog, and various social … Continue reading vaya con aquas, aquadoc
Austin Chalk as an alternative supply for Brackettville?
With flows in Las Moras Springs failing recently (and seemingly more commonly and for longer), someone has suggested that Brackettville (and others) pull water from the Austin Chalk instead. Lowering groundwater production so close to the springs is not a bad idea for helping the springs as there is likely a one-to-one benefit to the … Continue reading Austin Chalk as an alternative supply for Brackettville?
Will the Carrizo-Wilcox go dry? No (but…)
I've gotten a couple calls about a recent Wall Street Journal article (paywalled) where I am "quoted" as saying the following about the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer: "Robert Mace, executive director at the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, said the aquifer could run dry much sooner, likely within 10 to 20 … Continue reading Will the Carrizo-Wilcox go dry? No (but…)
a quick trip to las moras springs
A graduate student (Corinne) and I are researching Las Moras Springs in Kinney County, Texas, so we daytripped there and back to gawk at the recharge zone and the springs. I had hoped that they would still be dry since I hadn't seen them in that state before and wanted to take a closer look … Continue reading a quick trip to las moras springs
groundwater education resources and activities for all ages
So you wanna teach regular folks (not irregular folks like hydrogeologists) about groundwater? It turns out that it's harder to find materials than you might think. There's even a paper about this published in 2022 by John Cherry. Sadly, since groundwater is out of sight, it is often out of mind. The National Groundwater Association … Continue reading groundwater education resources and activities for all ages
kickapoo springs
Located between Rocksprings and Brackettville are Kickapoo Springs which empty into Kickapoo Creek from a small side channel where the springs issue at the surface from alluvium but surely flow from an array of limestones buried below creek sediments. These springs also serve as the headwaters of the West Nueces River, at least until their … Continue reading kickapoo springs
the belcher well (st louis mo)
I was excited to visit St Louis to (1) check out the arch and (2) visit the site of Belcher's well. Here's an excerpt from a book I will finish sometime in the next 20 to 30 years: William Belcher, in his search for better quality water for his sugar refinery in St. Louis, commissioned … Continue reading the belcher well (st louis mo)
so secret, occult, and concealed 