Preservation of Balmorhea-Area Springs in Trans-Pecos Texas - Update on Continued Studies

This 57-minute talk from the Bureau of Economic Geology provides an update on ongoing research aimed at preserving the declining springs in the Balmorhea area of Trans-Pecos Texas. Learn about the concerning springflow reductions in the Balmorhea Spring Complex along the northeastern edge of the Davis Mountains, where flow to the Balmorhea State Park pool has decreased from over 60 cubic feet per second in 1940 to approximately 20 cubic feet per second by 2017, while nearby Phantom Cave spring has periodically stopped flowing entirely. Discover how these declines stem from both long-term drought conditions and groundwater withdrawals for public and industrial use. The presentation examines research identifying spring water sources, including regional flow from the Salt Basin and chemical hydrogeologic methods, while emphasizing the need for more physical water level data. Explore how significant rainfall events in Fall 2022 provided valuable insights into groundwater recharge through observable changes in pool chemistry and springflow. The speaker discusses the complex arid-region hydrogeology involving five overlapping aquifers and structural deformation, highlighting the need for groundwater flow modeling to interpret surface water/groundwater processes. The ultimate goal of this research is to identify locations where industrial-scale groundwater withdrawal would have minimal impact on springflow, thereby increasing the chances of preserving these vital springs.