The first Texas Water Symposium of 2016 has been set for February 11th at Texas State University in San Marcos.  The program will feature a conversation between leading groundwater scientists about the long-term health of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, and its ability to sustainably serve the needs of a thirsty region.
The symposium will take place from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on Thursday, February 11 in the LBJ Room of the Texas State University Student Center, San Marcos, TX. The Texas Water Symposium is free and open to the public. Parking is available on campus in the LBJ parking garage near the Student Center.
Texas State University Geography Department, the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, and the Hill Country Alliance have gathered a highly qualified group of aquifer scientists to explore the various aspects of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer’s characteristics and carrying capacity.
Dr. Robert E. Mace, Deputy Executive Administrator, Water Science and Conservation, Texas Water Development Board will moderate the program.
Panelists will include:

  • Bill Hutchison Ph.D., P.E., P.G. – Former Groundwater Resources Director of the Texas Water Development Board and practicing hydro-geologist
  • James Bene P.G. – Practicing hydro-geologist, principal at R.W. Harden & Associates, Inc.
  • George Rice P.G. – Practicing hydro-geologist
  • Steve Young Ph.D., P.E., P.G. – Practicing hydro-geologist, principal at INTERA Geosciences

The Hill Country’s urban population continues to grow, and with growth comes an increase in water demand. Municipalities across the Hill Country are searching for new water sources to meet the demands of population growth.
As local surface and groundwater supplies are tapped, central Texas water providers are looking abroad at the “under-utilized” Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. That aquifer currently serves the agricultural, municipal, and oil/gas production needs of Central Texas east of I-35, and provides water directly to the Brazos and Colorado Rivers upon which downstream communities and coastal fisheries rely.
Does the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer recharge at a rate sufficient to serve its current needs plus the booming population demands of the I-35 corridor, or will additional well fields deplete this important resource? Join us in a scientific discussion about the physical characteristics, current pumping levels, and the potential effects of large-scale pumping projects on the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer.
For nine years, the Texas Water Symposium series has brought together policymakers, scientists, water resource experts, landowners and regional leaders to explore the challenges and complexities of managing water in Texas. The sessions are free and open to the public, and are recorded and aired on Texas Public Radio one week later. The Symposium is a partnership project of Schreiner University, Texas Tech University, Texas Public Radio and the Hill Country Alliance.
For more information, visit the Texas Water Symposium.
Listen to past shows online.
To stay informed about future programs, subscribe at www.hillcountryalliance.org.