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In the Southwest and Central Plains of Western North America, climate change is expected to increase drought severity in the coming decades. These regions nevertheless experienced extended Medieval-era droughts that were more persistent than any historical event, providing crucial targets in the paleoclimate record for... View

Jacob’s Well is a unique artesian spring that provides millions of gallons of fresh water to Cypress Creek that runs through the center of the historic square in Wimberley Texas, the City of Woodcreek, and the famous Blue Hole swimming area. The Well is the second... View

The Understanding Hill Country Water Resources research effort began in 2011 to improve our understanding of groundwater issues and, thus, support a sound basis for civic and stakeholder actions through: 1) an economic study of land valuations around a unique Hill Country creek; 2) a... View

Managing groundwater can be difficult because there is no common perspective among stakeholders about what they wish for their desired future conditions (DFCs) for Texas’ aquifers. Conflicts over how to manage aquifers, whether to mine or sustain groundwater levels are complicated by diverse state and local... View

This final report was submitted to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) in Oct. 2013.  The study investigated residential-scale rainwater harvesting systems as a water supply strategy for whole developments.  It envisions collecting rainwater from building roofs and routing it to a free-standing cistern on... View

The Hays County Parks, Open Space and Natural Areas Master Plan will be used by Hays County, Texas to make decisions regarding parks and open space programs and facilities. It lays the groundwork for the County’s involvement in providing park, open space and natural areas... View

Vision Jacob’s Well has long been an attraction to residents and visitors of the Texas Hill County. An artesian well and part of an extensive underground cave system, Jacob’s Well contributes to the recharging of the Edwards Aquifer. Because of it’s natural beauty and ecological benefits,... View

Conflicts over water resources reflect multiple viewpoints regarding the value of preserving quality of life, protecting environmental integrity, and the need for continued urban expansion and economic growth. This has led to an increased understanding of the need for systemic and participatory approaches that address... View

This report was prepared for the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association with financial support from the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation Water Program. Jacob’s Well is the largest perennial spring in the Trinity Aquifer and one the longest underwater caves in Texas. The cave and spring are... View

This report examines existing evidence that wastewater effluent discharged in the Barton Springs and San Antonio Edwards Aquifer contributing zones under Texas Land Application Permits (TLAPs), issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, have failed to protect springs, creeks, rivers, and groundwater. Significant findings... View