Desalination and ASR Feasibility Assessment

No Drought
Lovelady well height: 487.6 ft-msl (165.7 ft-Depth to Water)
Barton Springs: approximately 62 cfs 10-day average

The Edwards Aquifer has been considered a vast source of inexpensive, high-quality drinking water for many years. However, restrictions have been placed on production from the Edwards in recent years, and rising demands have increased faster than the provision of other additional sources. With the past significant reliance on the Edwards Aquifer, other potential sources warrant further consideration. Potential sources within the boundaries of the BSEACD that are being minimally used, if at all, include the Middle and Lower Trinity aquifers, and the brackish portion of the Edwards. One prospective new water supply source is the large quantity of brackish groundwater in the eastern portion of the District. Texas Disposal Systems is located on this “donut hole” which is outside the jurisdiction of the BSEACD. Multi-port wells installed here have provided data necessary to analyze the feasibility of desalination of the brackish
groundwater; management of desalination treatment residuals; and using the treated water for aquifer storage and recovery (ASR).

Read more here

Well Water Checkup

This year's Well Water Checkup will be on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 from 9am till 2pm.  Screening is available to the first 50 well owners in the District to come in, pre-register and pick up sampling supplies and instructions.  Sample supplies must be picked up by Tuesday, April 24.  Come in to get supplies at the District office, 1124 Regal Row, Austin, TX 78748.

The USEPA recommends that private water wells should be tested annually for contaminants that can jeopardize the health of its users, especially vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.  Samples from private water wells will be screened for common contaminants, including fecal coliform bacteria, nitrates, and salinity.

You'll be able to bring in your water sample for analysis on April 25 between 9am-2pm.  Samples need to be less than 24 hours old for best results.  District staff will screen for salinity and nitrates while you wait.  Bacteria samples will be processed by an off-site lab.  Results will be mailed the following week.  There will be an after-hours drop-off available starting at 5:00pm on Tuesday, April 24.