NGWA Event and Education Recordings Archive

An increasing population and recent drought conditions in Texas have caused water managers to consider using shallow groundwater systems to augment traditional water supplies. In addition to discussions of desalination, brackish aquifers, and rain water harvesting, shallow water contained in alluvial deposits along larger streams is attracting increasing interest. The Brazos River Alluvium aquifer (BRAA) is classified as a minor aquifer in the State of Texas but previously was designated a major aquifer and was more widely used historically. The resurging interest in the BRAA as an alternative water supply is offset by complicated management challenges resulting from land use changes that may have impacted the groundwater quality and quantity. In addition, because the aquifer was of minor interest there has been less research conducted that may help guide management decisions. The upper reach of the BRAA is hydrogeologically different from the lower reach and is heavily impacted by urbanization.  Studies in the upper BRAA have provided insight into the aquifer that indicates a need to manage the groundwater uniquely in this section of the river. This presentation summarizes what is known about the aquifer in the upper reach, relates the aquifer characteristics to potential management strategies and outlines future data needs. Although the information presented is specific to the upper reach of the BRAA, many of the ideas and methods are applicable to most alluvial aquifers.