Three conservationminded groups will partner to better understand interconnected groundwater sources in southern Burnet County.
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, and the Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin are launching the third phase of a study to better understand groundwater interactions in the Trinity Aquifer in southern Burnet County.
The partners will host a public meeting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, at Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery (101 Co Rd 409, Spicewood, TX 78669) to share results from earlier phases of the study and invite community participation in this next stage of research. It is free and open to the public.
“Groundwater doesn’t move in straight lines, and in the Hill Country, it can be especially complex,” said Jenna Walker, Meadows Center director of Watershed Studies. “This study is helping us map those connections and understand how groundwater contributes to springs and creeks people care about.”
The study focuses on the Sycamore layer of the Trinity Aquifer in and around Spicewood, an important groundwater source that contributes flow to Little Cypress Creek and nearby springs, including Krause Springs. Researchers are working to uncover how groundwater moves through the aquifer, how it interacts with nearby surface waters and where recharge enters the system.
Earlier phases of the study included longterm monitoring of groundwater, surface water and precipitation using monitoring wells, weather stations and synoptic streamflow measurements led by the Meadows Center. These efforts revealed that multiple aquifers contribute flows to Little Cypress Creek and nearby springs, underscoring the need for further research to more accurately identify the contributing and recharge zones that influence spring and creek flows.
The third phase of the project will further characterize the structure, hydrogeologic behavior and waterlevel dynamics of the Sycamore layer of the Trinity Aquifer. Researchers will integrate new data and refine conceptual hydrogeologic models to advance a more comprehensive understanding of the Trinity Aquifer system in the Spicewood area.
Community participation will play an important role in the study’s success. Well owners in the study area are invited to volunteer their wells to participate in an upcoming synoptic groundwater-level measurement event.
These measurements will help map groundwater levels across the region and better understand how water moves through the aquifer over time.
“Local well owners will play an important role in helping us understand what’s happening underground,” Walker said. “Each private well we’re able to measure adds valuable information that helps us build a clearer picture of how the aquifer works and helps improve the scientific information that informs groundwater management decisions in Burnet County.”
Residents interested in learning more about the study or volunteering their wells for the study’s measurement event are encouraged to attend the meeting. Coffee, water and light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at https://events.humanitix. com/tapm. About the Groups The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University was named following a generous gift from The Meadows Foundation in August 2012. The Meadows Center inspires research, innovation and leadership that ensures clean, abundant water for the environment and all humanity.
The Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin conducts scientific research to advance understanding of Texas geology and natural resources, including groundwater systems critical to communities across the state.
The Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District manages and protects the groundwater resources of Burnet County to ensure a sustainable, high-quality water supply for current and future generations.
