Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District

Education and Technology“a role for today, a goal for tomorrow”

2012 - 2013

Commissioners Court Presentation

June 27, 2012

Middle Trinity Cow Creek Outcrop, Flat Creek (photo courtesy BSEAGD)

District Activities in Education and Technology

Education and Outreach Programs

• Video presentations outlining the role of the Groundwater District and the importance of the Trinity Aquifer.

• HTGCD website upgrade including District activities, monitor wells/hydrographs, drought status, online forms for well registration and much more.

• Presentations to local schools, property owners and professional societies on groundwater issues.

• Newspaper articles and signage regarding water conservation.

• Personal contacts in the office and in the field with public officials, business owners, drilling contractors and more.

Geologic Base Map: Hydrogeologic Atlas of the Trinity Aquifer

Joint effort data collection, interpretation, publication & distribution of technical report.

Data Gathering and Field Activities

• Monitor water levels in 40 plus wells: e-line and transducers• Hydrographs developed from water levels & compared with

rainfall data. Critical data base for local aquifer description• Well data base essential for GMA 9/DFC stewardship.• Use, presentation and distribution of “Hydrogeologic Atlas of

the Hill Country Trinity Aquifer” and “Austin Geological Society Guidebook 33”; published with HTGCD participation

• Ongoing acquisition and interpretation of geophysical logs and cuttings samples

• Close working relationship and data exchange with neighboring groundwater districts, TWDB and other agencies

HTGCD Monitor Wells

Monthly water level measurements and wells with transducers

• Plan to add additional Lower Trinity monitor wells & new transducers

• Install telemetry well with TWDB assistance

• Data base for GMA-9 DFC drawdown monitor

June 2012

Hydrograph Water Level Elevation vs. Time

Time Frame : 1999 To June 2012

Technology: Lower Trinity Project• Groundwater production in Hays Co. is primarily from Middle

Trinity Aquifer. Dry weather (lack of recharge) and added domestic wells (increased discharge) result in production from aquifer storage and declining water levels.

• Middle Trinity in northern Hays Co. dewatered. New, deep wells (700’ – 900’)drilled to test Lower Trinity. Questions on water quality and quantity.

• Modest water level declines in south impact creeks, springs and shallow wells. Dry weather and new domestic wells put strain on Middle Trinity Aquifer and base flow to creeks. Several new, deep wells test water from Lower Trinity

• Drought Options: conservation, rain water collection, production limits on domestic wells & alternate water source.

Lower Trinity Aquifer

Middle Trinity Aquifer

Upper Trinity Aquifer

Edwards Aquifer

Lower Trinity Project: North and South

• Evaluate quality and quantity of Lower Trinity groundwater in Hays County: collect & analyze water samples, subsurface data & aquifer test results.

• Establish additional water-level monitor wells producing from the Lower Trinity. Add borehole transducers and telemetry stations to data grid.

• Lower Trinity Aqua Texas Woodcreek 24 Well - 2012• Incorporate, share and interpret data base with BSEAGD,

BPGCD, TWDB/TCEQ and GMA-9 to standardize data sets and evaluate the Lower Trinity Aquifer across political boundaries.

How does a small groundwater district , with limited funds and a minimal staff, carry out any programs other than simply keeping the office open and compliant with required regulatory obligations and business norms?

With lots of help from their friends!!

Our thanks to the County, neighboring groundwater conservation districts, the staff of multiple local & State agencies, local water well drilling and public water supply companies, professional volunteers, the local business community and interested property owners.

Share the water with your neighbors

Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District