What is Groundwater?
When rain falls to the ground, the water does not stop moving. Some of it flows along the surface to streams or lakes, some of it is used by plants, some evaporates and returns to the atmosphere, and some sinks into the ground. Groundwater is water that is found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock. Groundwater is stored in – and moves slowly through – layers of soil, sand, and rocks called aquifers. Aquifers typically consist of gravel, sand, sandstone, or fractured rock, like limestone. These materials are permeable because they have large connected spaces that allow water to flow through. The speed at which groundwater flows depends on the size of the spaces in the soil or rock and how well the spaces are connected. Source: Groundwater Foundation Aquifer levels vary from season to season due differences in amounts of precipitation. Groundwater levels are lowered when water is removed faster than the recharge zone can replenish. |
Photo Source: USGS Groundwater is simply the subsurface water that fully saturates pores or cracks in soils and rocks. Aquifers are replenished by the seepage of precipitation that falls on the land, although they can be artificially replenished by people as well. There are many geologic, meteorologic, topographic, and human factors that determine the extent and rate to which aquifers are refilled with water. Source: USGS To read the Texas Water Development Board's Report 380 on the Aquifers of Texas - download file below. |
Texas Water Resources Institute has published it's TX H2O Summer 2014
Magazine and it's all about GROUNDWATER!
Magazine and it's all about GROUNDWATER!
Water Conservation for KIDS!!
Fun links and activities to educate our children to conserve WATER!
20 Ways Kids Can Help Save Water
EPA - Why Save Water
The Water Cycle - USGS Interactive Diagram
Xeriscape Landscaping is an excellent way to conserve water. By planting vegetation that maximizes water efficiency - you can reduce your water consumption and beautify your property at the same time! Xeriscape yards are drought resistant plants that are easy to maintain - saving you time and money!!
Xeriscape Landscaping download
Xeriscape Landscaping download
Conservation Resources
BRUSH CONTROL
Proper brush control methods can be an effective tool for water conservation. By removing unwanted brush and controlling regrowth over recharge areas - we can increase our groundwater supply. To learn more about brush control and management practices, read the articles below. |
RAINWATER HARVESTING
Collecting rainwater and storing it for future use is an excellent way to minimize your water consumption. This stored water can be used to water outside plants! |
WATER CONSERVATION
To determine what your water consumption rates are take the quick quiz on the worksheet below. Then think of ways in which you can reduce your impact on groundwater. |