Things move very quickly at this stage in the legislative process. The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance provided an Earth Day update (4/22/21) with some great news: The Texas legislature is giving us some real reasons to celebrate Earth Day! We are delighted to inform you that yesterday the House of Representatives voted final approval to one of our favorite … Continue reading Earth Day Legislative Update
Lowest Groundwater Level Recorded Since 2005 April 2021 Hydro Report Groundwater, springs, creeks, and rivers are connected in the Hill Country. In March, groundwater levels in the HTGCD Mt. Baldy monitor well, a Middle Trinity Aquifer (Cow Creek) well, reached the lowest level recorded since Nov. 2005 (Fig. 1). Most of Western Hays County residents … Continue reading Lowest Groundwater Level Recorded Since 2005 (2021 April Hydro Report)
Environment Texas released an update on the Green Infrastructure funding through HB 2350–it passed the House! This progress is exciting news, because it makes nature-based solutions to reduce pollution and flooding economically viable. Wimberley’s One Water School is a prime example of nature-based design! Environment Texas Press Release, April 21, 2021: Texas House backs green … Continue reading Texas House backs green solutions to water problems
Salamanders are sensitive critters. With external gills and limited habitats, they are good indicators of groundwater health. They rely on clean, clear, flowing springs to maintain healthy populations. Low water levels in aquifers lead to less spring flow and less dissolved oxygen in the water. Pollution and contaminants from surface water runoff can drastically alter … Continue reading Rebecca Springs, salamander surveys, and WHY they matter
The karst springs of the Texas Hill Country are unique and specialized environments. Thanks to a collaboration of biologists, a new species–Stygobromus bakeri–has been described from 4 central Texas limestone karst springs; Jacob’s Well (Hays County), John Knox Spring (Comal County), Mormon Spring (Travis County) and Salado Springs (Bell County). The new species’ name–Stygobromus bakeri–honors … Continue reading New Species Described at Jacob’s Well Honors David Baker