As urbanization and climate change are impacting aquifers across the country, officials and municipalities are turning to new technologies to meet water demands.

For many entities, investing in Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) systems might be the way to go.

ASR, which was first tested and experimented in the 1990s, calls for the pumping of groundwater during periods of heavy supply and storing it in another aquifer for use in times of drought or major drawdown.

Kerrville and San Antonio were the first two major cities in the state to implement ASR.

These efforts are in conjunction with the fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA), a national report from the federal government, which shows climate change will have an increasing effect on drought and flooding in Central Texas. 

In Hays County, scientists at the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) are looking at ASR as a potential means to alleviate pressure on the aquifer during times of drought. 

Read more from Exsar Arguello with Hays Free Press News-Dispatch here.