News

Water levels and spring flow on the decline (again) – 2021 Sept Hydro Report

With above average rainfall for Central Texas, surface vegetation is thriving, rainwater catchment systems are full, but aquifer conditions aren’t doing as well. Water levels in monitor wells rose after this summer’s wet conditions, but they’ve started to decline again. Similarly, after summer rains baseflow increased from Middle Trinity springs (Jacob’s Well and Pleasant Valley … Continue reading Water levels and spring flow on the decline (again) – 2021 Sept Hydro Report

US FWS Proposed Listing for Six Texas Mussel Species

Aquatic species, like freshwater mussels, are particularly useful as indicators of water quality.  They have limited range and rely heavily on the surrounding aquatic community to reproduce.  Since they’re largely immobile, water quality and habitat degradation pose significant risks. Loading of creeks and rivers with fine sediments, low-flow and drought, and water quality changes negatively … Continue reading US FWS Proposed Listing for Six Texas Mussel Species

Diving Deep into Karst webinar

As part of the Deep in the Karst of Texas education initiative, WVWA and TESPA hosted a lunchtime webinar on Wednesday, September 8, 2021.  Presenters discussed the International Year of Caves and Karst, Texas karst and conservation initiatives, and recent well visits.  From global to local, this discussion was insightful and entertaining. The presentations, links … Continue reading Diving Deep into Karst webinar

TPWD Commissioners Vote to Support Land Acquisition of Honey Creek Ranch

The TPWD Commissioners voted to approve funds to acquire the environmentally sensitive Honey Creek Ranch on August 26, 2021!  At the headwaters of Honey Creek, the land acquisition will prevent the land from being developed as residential lots in favor of maintaining high-quality recharge lands.   Honey Creek Ranch was going to be a subdivision, but … Continue reading TPWD Commissioners Vote to Support Land Acquisition of Honey Creek Ranch

Wastewater WIN for the Hill Country

We’ve received wonderful news from the Nueces River watershed — Young Life’s LoneHollow Ranch has opted to treat wastewater through a land application process rather than direct discharge into the Upper Sabinal River.  This is particularly important because the Upper Sabinal River is one of Texas’ last Pristine Stream Segments (where there’s no detectable phosphorus, … Continue reading Wastewater WIN for the Hill Country