Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District - Education and Technology, a role for today, a goal for tomorrow 2012 - 2013

1. Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District
Education and Technology
“a role for today, a goal for tomorrow”
2012 - 2013
Commissioners Court Presentation
June 27, 2012

2. District Activities in Education and Technology
Middle Trinity Cow Creek Outcrop, Flat Creek (photo courtesy BSEAGD)

3. 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.

4. Joint effort data
collection,
interpretation,
publication &
distribution of
technical report.
Geologic Base Map: Hydrogeologic Atlas of the Trinity Aquifer

5. 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

6. HTGCD Monitor Wells
Monthly water level measurements
and wells with transducers
• Install telemetry well with
TWDB assistance
• Plan to add additional
Lower Trinity monitor
wells & new transducers
• Data base for GMA-9 DFC
drawdown monitor
June 2012

7. Hydrograph
Water Level Elevation vs. Time
Time Frame : 1999 To June 2012

8. 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.

9. Edwards Aquifer
Upper Trinity Aquifer
Middle Trinity Aquifer
Lower Trinity Aquifer

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Share the water with your neighbors
Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District

13. Critical Questions for Another Day
• Who is going to do all of this work?
• How are you going to pay for these programs?
• What about the “Desired Future Conditions” and GMA-9
“Drawdown” issues?
• How does the Trinity Aquifer impact eastern Hays Co?
• How is this going to add any new water to the County?
• What about the Environment? Who is going to “save”
Jacob’s Well? What about Property Rights, Global
Warming and the recent Supreme Court ruling?
• Thanks for listening and for your support