Springs Monitoring Program

The TWDB initiated the Springs Monitoring Program in 2020 in an effort to address the lack of data collected and reported on the springs of Texas. Historically, the TWDB sampled springs on a case-by-case basis as part of the Groundwater Quality Program, with discharge data rarely collected and a monitoring frequency of every four years or longer.

The goals of the Springs Monitoring Program are to document the springs of Texas and to monitor short and long-term changes in flow rate and water quality data from a network of springs across the state. We strive to do this on an annual basis but may adjust the frequency of visits over time depending on the number of program sites, data collection methods, special studies, cooperative partnerships, and resource availability. Data collection activities occur primarily between the months of March and May but may continue intermittently throughout the year.

Upon an initial visit to a spring, TWDB staff measure flow rate and document baseline field water quality parameters (pH, temperature, and specific conductivity). Water samples are additionally collected for standard TWDB water quality laboratory analyses and, in some cases, isotopes. Subsequent visits include collection of flow rate and water quality field parameters, with repeat water quality laboratory analyses performed as needed and as budget allows. Collection of continuous flow rate data and development of high-resolution hydrographs may be considered at springs and nearby wells where conditions are suitable. In such instances, a small pressure transducer is deployed in the spring channel and more frequent site visits are necessary.

The Springs Monitoring Program includes 15 active program sites, of which three are equipped with pressure transducers (as shown in the figure and table below). The number of program sites has changed and will continue changing to meet the evolving goals, resources, and needs of the program. Springs sampled every four years as part of the Groundwater Quality Program are not considered part of the Springs Monitoring Program.

The following criteria are used when evaluating a new spring to include in the program:

• springs located in aquifers that are experiencing local or regional water level declines,
• springs located in areas that would expand the program’s geographical and hydrogeological footprint and/or cooperative partnerships are available to assist with data collection efforts,
• springs that are not already included in a routine monitoring program,
• springs that were included in one or both of Gunnar Brune’s texts (R-189 Major and Historical Springs of Texas, and Springs of Texas, Volume 1),
• magnitude of spring flow,
• ease of access and consent from respective landowners and stakeholders, and
• locations with cultural significance, threatened/endangered species or other ecosystem considerations.

Data collected as part of the Springs Monitoring Program are expected to provide

• an improved understanding of the conditions of the aquifers that produce springs and a better picture of overall aquifer health,
• insights into groundwater-surface water interactions that can be incorporated into regional water planning and groundwater availability modeling, and
• updates to Gunnar Brune’s Major and Historical Springs of Texas and Springs of Texas, Volume 1.

At present, the TWDB Groundwater Database does not have fields to accommodate flow rate data. Spring flow rate data as of September 4, 2024, can be viewed on the Texas Water Data Hub.

Springs Monitoring Program Initiative (Video 2020)

TWDB staff are continually researching new locations to document the springs of Texas and expand the Springs Monitoring Program. However, our resources are limited. The number of program sites in our network and requests we can respond to depends on current program resources and cooperation from the public and other stakeholders. We are always interested in collaborating with Groundwater Conservation Districts and other stakeholders on data collection efforts and partnerships to expand this program. Please contact Cody Bjornson, Springs Monitoring Program Discipline Lead, at 512-936-0842 if you have any questions, information or would like to request a spring location to be considered for monitoring.