This year’s Neighborhood Site Visit
program is a collaboration between the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation
District and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. Staff
visited 46 wells in three areas: Falconwood/Summer Mt. Ranch/Hugo, Hilliard,
and Saddleridge.
Staff estimated levels at each well using a hand-held sonic meter
and were able to verify the sonic measurement with the eline at 38 of the 46
wells. In the coming weeks, the depth-to-water measurements will be
converted to water-level elevations and compared to readings from nearby
monitor wells. This Neighborhood Site Visit water level snapshot will help
ensure that the monitoring network is representative of water levels in the
neighborhoods and enhance that network where there are data gaps. These data
will be useful in tracking long-term water level changes due to drought and wet
periods.
Staff used nitrate/nitrite test strips to screen for a
surface water contaminant. High levels of nitrates can indicate
contamination by fertilizer, septic systems, or livestock or wildlife feces and
can endanger human health. Some of the water samples analyzed did contain
detectable but low levels of nitrate or nitrite, but all were below the maximum
concentration deemed acceptable for drinking water by the EPA. If you ever
notice a change in color, taste, or smell, you should have your well water
analyzed by an accredited lab.
Additionally, staff used a Horiba multiparameter probe to
measure basic water-chemistry such as pH, conductivity, and total
dissolved solids (TDS). Conductivity is a measure of how easily
electricity can pass through a sample; the more dissolved particles in the
water, the higher the conductivity. As water is stored underground, it
dissolves particles from its host rocks. How long the water has been
underground (its residence time) and how easily the host rock is dissolved (a
product of the rocks' chemical composition) influences the conductivity
readings.
Many thanks to all the well owners who
participated in this program! Results and more about the Trinity Aquifer will
be presented at a library near you in December. Click the link HERE to find
out more.
