NewsDrop-March-April-2026

EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

By: Laurel Torres Groundwater Regulation Manager

WATER DISCHARGE

OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER ARTESIAN ZONE Along the

THE EDWARDS AQUIFER DIPS DEEP UNDERGROUND, CAUSING HIGH PRESSURE BETWEEN ITS CONFINING UNITS. THE RESULT?

Drill an aquifer well, and groundwater pushes upwards, beyond the aquifer’s confines. When groundwater rises all the way to the surface, the well is known as a “flowing artesian well”. While there may not be an “Old Faithful” erupting from the aquifer today; staff still encounter some flowing artesian wells in the EAA’s jurisdiction, which remain problematic. When not properly constructed or maintained, groundwater can escape the well, causing water waste from this resource we depend on.

EAA staff work to address such wells through our Abandoned Wells Program. Since 2020, the program has played a significant role in locating and cataloging flowing wells. The Team has effectuated, through outreach and compliance efforts, the plugging of 17 flowing artesian wells. These wells are considered a leak in the Edwards Aquifer system, and stopping the leak is just one of many ways EAA staff work to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer.

FLOWING WELLS

WATER WELLS ARE SUBJECT TO UNIQUE GEOLOGIC CONDITIONS

photo: W111-347 City of San Antonio - City Public Service (CPS) dba CPS Energy

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