157 Exploring Groundwater Recharge and Management: Managed Aquifer Recharge and Other Innovative Tools for Water Supply Development and Operations

Growing demand for water has highlighted the need to understand aquifer recharge to improve groundwater management and production methods. This session explores groundwater recharge and innovative water supplies and infrastructure. Topics include evapotranspiration, vadose zone processes, brackish groundwater desalination, managed aquifer recharge, stormwater management, and others.

Tuesday, 21 October 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
HBGCC, 209

Leveraging Hydrogeological Characteristics for Resilient Water Supply Management: Managed Aquifer Recharge Utilizing the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers in Texas

Paper number: 157-2
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM

Authors

Abstract

The I-35 Corridor in Texas is growing rapidly and the Edwards and Trinity aquifers are being developed to support this ongoing development. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is the intentional recharge of groundwater supplies and is being deployed to enhance the water supplies in the Texas I-35 Corridor. Literature reviews, data mining, and outreach were conducted on two types of MAR projects in 56 counties along the Texas I-35 Corridor: aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) and aquifer recharge (AR). This research resulted in understanding the status, hydrogeology, regulations, and uses of MAR projects in this area. Some of the earliest documented MAR projects were Edwards aquifer recharge enhancement dams constructed in the 1970s. As of Fall 2024, 35 MAR projects were identified in the area, existing in various phases of operation, piloting testing, permitting, planning, or decommission. The total volume of water operational MAR projects contribute to the Texas I-35 Corridor is unmeasured, but the Edwards Aquifer Authority recharge dams, City of Kerrville ASR wells, and San Antonio Water System ASR wells combined contribute an estimated 18,650 acre-feet per year (23,004,402 m3). The 2022 State Water Plan projects an additional 80,028 acre-feet per year (98,712,937 m3) could be added to that volume by 2070. However, the 2070 demands for the entire area are projected to be 5,428,442 acre-feet per year (6,691,438,931 m3). Of the 35 MAR projects in the Texas I-35 Corridor, only six do not involve the Edwards or Trinity aquifer. Projects utilizing the Edwards or Trinity aquifer are designed to leverage hydrogeologic characteristics favorable for water supply. The Edwards aquifer is characterized by rapid recharge and large production volumes. Trinity aquifer, in comparison, contains units that can be used for stable storage. The characteristics of these aquifers are complimentary, but several conditions need met to comply with state and federal statutes that cover topics from water rights to water quality protection, to achieve a fully operational project. While the volumes MAR projects in the Texas I-35 Corridor may be small when compared to cumulative water demands, they are vital to the communities and ecosystems that depend on them. By sharing the opportunities and challenges of projects, the chances for successful outcomes can be increased.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-412209

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