You’ve likely heard of aquifers, but do you really know much about them?
Aquifers are natural underground areas that hold enough water to provide a usable supply to those who live and work above it. Some of the largest aquifers in Texas, including the Ogallala and Gulf Coast, are made up of sand and gravel. The Edwards Aquifer in south central Texas is a karst aquifer, which means it consists of porous, honeycombed formations of limestone where water travels and is stored underground.
Aquifers hold vast amounts of underground water and extend beneath about 81% of Texas. They aren’t necessarily massive underground caves, though some exist in that form. The water an aquifer holds lies mixed in the ground with rocks, sand, limestone, and other porous materials.
Texas aquifers are vital to the survival of life and our economy. Aquifers provide water to residential homes, commercial businesses, and agriculture operations. Let’s not forget all the animal and plant life that depend on the water from aquifers. That’s why we must do all we can to protect them.
While aquifers are rechargeable, they recharge (or, refill) themselves at different rates. If users are pulling out more water than is going back into the aquifer, the supply will start to dwindle.
Also, when harmful chemicals are dumped on the ground or into storm sewers or waterways, they are likely to find their way into an aquifer. Those chemicals contaminate the water beneath your feet and can find their way into our water supply.