Edwards Aquifer drops to levels not seen since 2014

Key Points

• The aquifer dropped below 630 feet on Tuesday, July 18
• Lowest level recorded since September 2014
• Only slim (10%) rain chances in the forecast this weekend
• The heat will still be the main focus leading up to August

Lowest reading in nearly a decade

On Tuesday, July 18, the aquifer dropped below 630 feet, with a reading of 628.7 feet at the J-17 Well in Bexar County.

A reading that low hasn’t been recorded since September of 2014, when the aquifer ended up dropping all the way down to 625.9 feet.

Here’s a look at some of the historical low points that the aquifer has seen in years past:

How does the aquifer work?

The Edwards Aquifer has three zones: the contributing zone, the recharge zone, and the artesian zone.

• Contributing Zone: This zone is found in the Hill Country. When rain falls in this area, it runs into the recharge zone where it eventually enters the aquifer.
• Recharge Zone: This zone is where portions of the aquifer are fractured and visible on land. Limestone is typically visible in these areas. This is where the water enters the aquifer itself after raining in the contributing zone. Rain that falls directly on the recharge zone can also enter the aquifer at this point.
• Artesian Zone: This zone is where San Antonio sits. Pressure from all of the water builds up here, and wells are then used to harvest that water. An example of this includes the J-17 Well in Bexar County, which is where Your Weather Authority gets the daily aquifer readings brought to you during newscasts.

For an in-depth look at the inner-workings of the Edwards Aquifer and how it is regulated, check out this KSAT Explains episode!

Rainfall update in San Antonio

It has generally been a dry summer, with the heat being the main story in South Central Texas. Here are a few rainfall stats so far:

• Since July 1: 0.13 inches recorded at San Antonio International Airport
• Since June 1: 1.04 inches recorded at San Antonio International Airport
• Since January 1: 12.88 inches recorded at San Antonio International Airport

Looking ahead, the heat will still be the main focus of the forecast for the foreseeable future, but as high pressure moves slightly west, a stray rain chance (~10%) enters the picture this weekend. Still bet on more of us staying dry than not, so here’s hoping we find a better pattern change heading into August!

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The article discusses the Edwards Aquifer, which is a freshwater source. The decreasing water levels in the aquifer highlight the issue of water scarcity and the need for sustainable water management.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article mentions the dry and hot summer, which can be connected to climate change. Climate action is necessary to address the impacts of climate change and ensure resilience to climate-related hazards.

SDG 15: Life on Land

The article briefly mentions the need for conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems, such as the Edwards Aquifer.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The article mainly provides information about the current state of the Edwards Aquifer and rainfall levels, without providing specific data or measurements.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: ksat.com

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