How long will the Edwards Aquifer last?

As long as enough hydraulic pressure exists to force water up of the level of springs, significant amounts of water will flow out. In a 3-5 year drought, all the water that was recharged during wet times will have left the Aquifer.

Is the Edwards Aquifer in danger?

The Edwards Aquifer and its Great Springs are highly vulnerable because of their unique geology and hydrology.

Who owns the Edwards Aquifer?

Five groups of stakeholders have played significant roles in shaping the use and conservation of the aquifer, including the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), New Braunfels, San Marcos, San Antonio, and Texas State University.

Which US state has the largest aquifer?

The Ogallala Aquifer is the largest aquifer in the United States and is a major aquifer of Texas underlying much of the High Plains region.

How wide is the Edwards Aquifer?

The recharge and artesian areas of the Edwards Aquifer underlie the six counties south and east of the Balconces fault escarpment. The aquifer underlies approximately 3,600 square miles, is about 180 miles long from west to east and varies from 5 to 30 miles wide.

What cities use Edwards Aquifer?

The Aquifer is the primary water source for much of this area, including the City of San Antonio and its surrounding communities. Historically, the cities of Uvalde, San Antonio, New Braunfels and San Marcos were founded around large springs that discharged from the Aquifer.

Are there fish in the Edwards Aquifer?

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has designated eight species that live in the Edwards Aquifer, the San Marcos Springs, and the Comal Springs aquatic ecosystems as either threatened, endangered or petitioned.

What animals live in the Edwards Aquifer?

Over 40 species of highly adapted, aquatic, subterranean species are known to live in the Edwards Aquifer. These include amphipod crustaceans, gastropod snails, and interesting vertebrates like blind catfish (Longley, 1986).

Who is in charge of the Edwards Aquifer?

General Manager. Roland Ruiz serves as General Manager of the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), a special purpose regional groundwater agency that is responsible for the management of one of the world’s most prolific artesian aquifers.

Where is the best aquifer in the US?

Ogallala Aquifer of the central United States is one of the world’s great aquifers, but in places it is being rapidly depleted by growing municipal use, and continuing agricultural use. This huge aquifer, which underlies portions of eight states, contains primarily fossil water from the time of the last glaciation.