NewsDrop-August-2024

AQUIFER SCIENCE | WATER QUALITY MONITORING

By: Gizelle Luevano EAA Senior Geoscientist

WATER QUALITY MONITORING of the Edwards Aquifer

The Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer is a prolific karst aquifer that and provides necessary habitat to several threatened and endangered species.

KSAT Explains with Myra Arthur and EAA’s Paul Bertetti , Senior Director for Aquifer Science Research & Modeling. https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/07/18/what-are-forever- chemicals-ksat-explains/

Water quality monitoring serves as a critical tool for understanding the complex dynamics of the Edwards Aquifer. Such monitoring enables the EAA to identify natural trends, delineate areas that may be (or have been) impacted by human activities, and evaluate the overall health of the aquifer. The EAA has a robust water quality monitoring program that aims to improve understanding of aquifer conditions and variability across the Edwards Aquifer region. EAA staff routinely collect water samples from wells, springs, and streams (Figures 1 and 2). Samples are analyzed for a wide range of constituents, including field parameters (i.e., pH, conduc tivity, turbidity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen) (Figure 3), major ions (e.g., calcium, magnesium), and isotopes. Collectively, these data can pro vide insight on the age of the water, recharge sources, and a refined under standing of how the system works. The EAA is tasked with managing, enhancing, and protecting the Edwards Aquifer. Our agency’s routine and robust water quality monitoring program allows us to proactively identify and address trends or potential threats,

ensuring the long-term health of our crucial water resources. Protecting water quality is a also a collective responsibility, and there are several ways you can contribute to the solution. You can prevent pollution by disposing of waste properly, and avoid pouring harmful substances down storm drains (as these can contaminate our water supply). Additionally, you can be mindful of fertil izer use; consider opting for organic alternatives and take measures to minimize runoff that could impact nearby water sources. Lastly, educate yourself and oth ers about water quality issues. You can help cultivate a shared commitment to preserving this vital resource by raising awareness within your community. At the EAA, we are devoted to ongoing monitoring and protection of the Edwards Aquifer. Our regular water quality monitoring practices allow us to proactively identify and address potential threats, ensuring the long-term health of our crucial water resources. This initiative requires active participa tion from professionals and community members alike. By working together, we can secure the Edwards Aquifer’s future for generations to come.

Figure 2. Senior Geoscientist Rob Esquilin calibrates a water quality sonde before deploy ing it into a monitoring well, in New Braunfels, Texas. Specific conductivity and water levels are recorded every 15 minutes and data are down loaded monthly by EAA staff.

Figure 3. Senior Geoscientist Gizelle Luevano uses a multi-parameter probe (i.e., water quality sonde) to take measurements of field parameters from Comal Spring Run 3, New Braunfels, Texas.

Figure 1. EAA staff collecting water samples from Blanco River in Wimberley, Texas.

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