DOCSLIB.ORG

Recent (2003–05) Water Quality of Barton Springs, Austin, Texas, with Emphasis on Factors Affecting Variability

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Recent (2003–05) Water Quality of Barton Springs, Austin, Texas, with Emphasis on Factors Affecting Variability In cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Recent (2003–05) Water Quality of Barton Springs, Austin, Texas, With Emphasis on Factors Affecting Variability Scientific Investigations Report 2006–5299 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Cover. Top left: Main Spring of Barton Springs (photograph courtesy of David Johns, City of Austin). Top right: Eliza Spring of Barton Springs (photograph courtesy of David Johns, City of Austin). Bottom right: Upper Spring of Barton Springs (photograph by Greg Stanton, U.S. Geological Survey). Bottom left: Old Mill Spring of Barton Springs (photograph by Brad Garner, U.S. Geological Survey). Recent (2003–05) Water Quality of Barton Springs, Austin, Texas, With Emphasis on Factors Affecting Variability By Barbara J. Mahler, Bradley D. Garner, MaryLynn Musgrove, Amber L. Guilfoyle, and Mohan V. Rao In cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Scientific Investigations Report 2006–5299 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Mark D. Meyers, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2006 For sale by U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services Box 25286, Denver Federal Center Denver, CO 80225 For more information about the USGS and its products: Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/ Any use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report. Suggested citation: Mahler, B.J., Garner, B.D., Musgrove, M., Guilfoyle, A.L., and Rao, M.V., 2006, Recent (2003–05) water quality of Barton Springs, Austin, Texas, with emphasis on factors affecting variability: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2006–5299, 83 p., 5 appendixes. iii Contents Abstract . 1 Introduction . 1 Purpose and Scope . 4 Overview of Karst Systems . 5 Study Area Description and Previous Studies . 5 Geologic Setting . 7 Sources of Recharge . 7 Discharge From the Aquifer . 7 General Ground-Water-Flow Direction . 7 Saline Zone Boundary . 9 Water Quality in the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer . 9 Chemical Species and Contaminants of Interest . 10 Nutrients . 10 Pesticides . 10 Volatile Organic Compounds . 11 Acknowledgments . 11 Methods . 11 Study Design . 11 Discharge Measurements . 13 Recharge Estimation . 13 Physicochemical Property Measurements . 14 Water-Quality Sample Collection . 14 Analytical Methods . 14 Water Quality of Barton Springs (2003–05) . 15 Continuous Discharge and Physicochemical Measurements . 15 Spring Discharge . 15 Specific Conductance . 15 Turbidity . 17 Temperature . 17 pH . 19 Dissolved Oxygen . 19 Water Quality Over an Annual Cycle . 20 Major Ions . 20 Differences in Geochemistry Among Spring Orifices . 20 Temporal Variability in Major Ion Concentrations and Relation to Recharge and Discharge . 22 Nutrients . 26 Differences in Nitrate Concentrations Among Spring Orifices . 26 Temporal Variability in Nitrate Concentrations and Relation to Recharge and Discharge . 27 Trace Elements . 27 Soluble Pesticides . 30 iv Detection Frequencies and Concentrations . 30 Differences in Pesticide Concentrations Among Spring Orifices . 30 Temporal Variability in Pesticide Concentrations and Relation to Recharge and Discharge . 32 Volatile Organic Compounds . ..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Barton Springs Pool Health Consultion
    Barton Springs Pool Health Consultation BARTON SPRINGS POOL AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS FACILITY ID: TXN000605514 APRIL 18, 2003 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Health Assessment and Consultation Atlanta, Georgia 30333 Barton Springs Pool EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Barton Springs Pool is a 1.9 acre pool, fed from underground springs which discharge from the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. The pool is located within the confines of Barton Creek; however, water from the creek only enters the pool during flood events. The pool is located in downtown Austin and is used year round for recreation. Barton Springs Pool also is one of the only known habitats of the Barton Springs salamander (Eurycea sosorum) an endangered species. The City of Austin has been collecting water and sediment samples from Barton Springs Pool since 1991. Recent articles in the local daily newspaper have raised safety concerns regarding environmental contaminants found in the pool. In response to these concerns, the City Manager closed the pool pending an analysis of the perceived human health risks associated with chemical exposures occurring while swimming in the pool. We reviewed the results from water and sediment samples collected by the City of Austin, the United States Geological Survey, the Lower Colorado River Authority, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. We reviewed over 14,500 individual data points, involving approximately 441 analytes, collected over the past 12 years. We screened the contaminants by comparing reported concentrations to health-based screening values and selected twenty-seven contaminants for further consideration.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Virginia's Karst
    Introduction to Virginia’s Karst A presentation of The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Karst Program & Project Underground Karst - A landscape developed in limestone, dolomite, marble, or other soluble rocks and characterized by subsurface drainage systems, sinking or losing streams, sinkholes, springs, and caves. Cross-section diagram by David Culver, American University. Karst topography covers much of the Valley and Ridge Province in the western third of the state. Aerial photo of karst landscape in Russell County. Smaller karst areas also occur in the Cumberland Plateau, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain provinces. At least 29 counties support karst terrane in western Virginia. In western Virginia, karst occurs along slopes and in valleys between mountain ridges. There are few surface streams in these limestone valleys as runoff from mountain slopes disappears into the subsurface upon contact with the karst bedrock. Water flows underground, emerging at springs on the valley floor. Thin soils over fractured, cavernous limestone allow precipitation to enter the subsurface directly and rapidly, with a minimal amount of natural filtration. The purer the limestone, the less soil develops on the bedrock, leaving bare pinnacles exposed at the ground surface. Rock pinnacles may also occur where land use practices result in massive soil loss. Precipitation mixing with carbon dioxide becomes acidic as it passes through soil. Through geologic time slightly acidic water dissolves and enlarges the bedrock fractures, forming caves and other voids in the bedrock. Water follows the path of least resistance, so it moves through voids in rock layers, fractures, and boundaries between soluble and insoluble bedrock.
    [Show full text]
  • Living with Karst Booklet and Poster
    Publishing Partners AGI gratefully acknowledges the following organizations’ support for the Living with Karst booklet and poster. To order, contact AGI at www.agiweb.org or (703) 379-2480. National Speleological Society (with support from the National Speleological Foundation and the Richmond Area Speleological Society) American Cave Conservation Association (with support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and a Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Kentucky Division of Water) Illinois Basin Consortium (Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky State Geological Surveys) National Park Service U.S. Bureau of Land Management USDA Forest Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Geological Survey AGI Environmental Awareness Series, 4 A Fragile Foundation George Veni Harvey DuChene With a Foreword by Nicholas C. Crawford Philip E. LaMoreaux Christopher G. Groves George N. Huppert Ernst H. Kastning Rick Olson Betty J. Wheeler American Geological Institute in cooperation with National Speleological Society and American Cave Conservation Association, Illinois Basin Consortium National Park Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey ABOUT THE AUTHORS George Veni is a hydrogeologist and the owner of George Veni and Associates in San Antonio, TX. He has studied karst internationally for 25 years, serves as an adjunct professor at The University of Ernst H. Kastning is a professor of geology at Texas and Western Kentucky University, and chairs Radford University in Radford, VA. As a hydrogeolo- the Texas Speleological Survey and the National gist and geomorphologist, he has been actively Speleological Society’s Section of Cave Geology studying karst processes and cavern development for and Geography over 30 years in geographically diverse settings with an emphasis on structural control of groundwater Harvey R.
    [Show full text]
  • US Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Proceedings, Fayetteville
    Prepared In Cooperation with the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arkansas U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Proceedings, Fayetteville, Arkansas, April 26-29, 2011 Scientific Investigations Report 2011-5031 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Prepared in Cooperation with the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arkansas U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Proceedings, Fayetteville, Arkansas, April 26–29, 2011 Edited By Eve L. Kuniansky Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5031 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey i U.S. Department of the Interior KEN SALAZAR, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Marcia K. McNutt, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia 2011 For product and ordering information: World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment: World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS Suggested citation: Kuniansky,E.L., 2011, U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Proceedings, Fayetteville, Arkansas, April 26-29, 2011, U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2011-5031, 212p. Online copies of the proceedings area available at: http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/karst/ Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted material contained within this report.
    [Show full text]
  • Groundwater Availability of the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer, Texas: Numerical Simulations Through 2050
    GROUNDWATER AVAILABILITY OF THE BARTON SPRINGS SEGMENT OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER, TEXAS: NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS THROUGH 2050 by Bridget R. Scanlon, Robert E. Mace*, Brian Smith**, Susan Hovorka, Alan R. Dutton, and Robert Reedy prepared for Lower Colorado River Authority under contract number UTA99-0 Bureau of Economic Geology Scott W. Tinker, Director The University of Texas at Austin *Texas Water Development Board, Austin **Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, Austin October 2001 GROUNDWATER AVAILABILITY OF THE BARTON SPRINGS SEGMENT OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER, TEXAS: NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS THROUGH 2050 by Bridget R. Scanlon, Robert E. Mace*1, Brian Smith**, Susan Hovorka, Alan R. Dutton, and Robert Reedy prepared for Lower Colorado River Authority under contract number UTA99-0 Bureau of Economic Geology Scott W. Tinker, Director The University of Texas at Austin *Texas Water Development Board, Austin **Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, Austin October 2001 1 This study was initiated while Dr. Mace was an employee at the Bureau of Economic Geology and his involvement primarily included initial model development and calibration. CONTENTS ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................................1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................1 STUDY AREA...................................................................................................................................3
    [Show full text]
  • Hydrogeologic Characterization and Methods Used in the Investigation of Karst Hydrology
    Hydrogeologic Characterization and Methods Used in the Investigation of Karst Hydrology By Charles J. Taylor and Earl A. Greene Chapter 3 of Field Techniques for Estimating Water Fluxes Between Surface Water and Ground Water Edited by Donald O. Rosenberry and James W. LaBaugh Techniques and Methods 4–D2 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Contents Introduction...................................................................................................................................................75 Hydrogeologic Characteristics of Karst ..........................................................................................77 Conduits and Springs .........................................................................................................................77 Karst Recharge....................................................................................................................................80 Karst Drainage Basins .......................................................................................................................81 Hydrogeologic Characterization ...............................................................................................................82 Area of the Karst Drainage Basin ....................................................................................................82 Allogenic Recharge and Conduit Carrying Capacity ....................................................................83 Matrix and Fracture System Hydraulic Conductivity ....................................................................83
    [Show full text]
  • Drainage Structures and Transit-Time Distributions in Conduit-Dominated
    Drainage structures and transit-time distributions in conduit-dominated and fissured karst aquifer systems Zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades einer DOKTORIN DER NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN von der Fakultät für Bauingenieur-, Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) genehmigte DISSERTATION von Dipl.-Geol. Ute Lauber aus Dachau Tag der mündlichen Prüfung: 21.11.2014 Referent: Prof. Dr. Nico Goldscheider Korreferent: Prof. Dr. Tim Bechtel Karlsruhe 2014 Abstract Abstract Abstract Karst aquifers are widely distributed across the world and are important groundwater resources. Solutionally-enlarged conduits embedded in fissured rock matrix result in a highly heterogene- ous underground drainage pattern that makes karst aquifers difficult to characterize. To ensure sustainable protection and management of karst water resources, hydrogeologic knowledge of karst systems is required. However, the quantitative characterization of groundwater flow in karst systems remains a major challenge. Specific investigating techniques and approaches are needed to account for the complexity of drainage. This thesis emphasizes the identification of drainage structures and the quantification of related transit-time distributions and hydraulic pa- rameters. To account for the strong heterogeneities of different types of catchment areas, three diverse karst aquifer systems are investigated: a conduit-dominated karst system, a fissured karst system and an aquifer system that comprises a karst and a porous-media (alluvial/rockfall) aquifer. For a detailed hydrogeologic assessment of the different catchment areas, adapted methods applied include a combination of artificial tracer tests, natural tracer analysis, and dis- charge analysis. The first two parts of this thesis describe a conduit-dominated karst system, the catchment area of the Blautopf (Swabian Alb, Germany).
    [Show full text]
  • Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer, Central Texas
    OLD G The Geological Society of America Memoir 215 OPEN ACCESS Barton Springs segment of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer, central Texas Brian B. Hunt Brian A. Smith Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, Austin, Texas 78748, USA Nico M. Hauwert Balcones Canyonland Preserve, City of Austin, Austin Water, Wildland Conservation Division, Austin, Texas 78738, USA ABSTRACT The Barton Springs segment of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer is a prolifi c karst aquifer system containing the fourth largest spring in Texas, Barton Springs. The Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer supplies drinking water for ~60,000 people, provides habitat for federally listed endangered salamanders, and sustains the iconic recreational Barton Springs pool. The aquifer is composed of Lower Cretaceous carbonate strata with porosity and permeability controlled by dep- ositional facies, diagenesis, structure, and karstifi cation creating a triple permeability system (matrix, fractures, and conduits). Groundwater fl ow is rapid within an inte- grated network of conduits discharging at the springs. Upgradient watersheds pro- vide runoff to the recharge zone, and the majority of recharge occurs in the streams crossing the recharge zone. The remainder is direct recharge from precipitation and other minor sources (infl ows from Trinity Group aquifers, the San Antonio segment, the bad-water zone, and anthropogenic sources). The long-term estimated mean water budget is 68 ft3/s (1.93 m3/s). The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conserva- tion District developed rules to preserve groundwater supplies and maximize spring fl ow rates by preserving at least 6.5 ft3/s (0.18 m3/s) of spring fl ow during extreme drought.
    [Show full text]
  • Austin Airport Long Term Parking Map
    Austin Airport Long Term Parking Map sectionalisingDepreciating Ignatius his accordionists unpegs some infer sulphonamidearduously or inconsequently after interlocutory after Thedric Yale berate flubbed and accursedly. rehears Tome Netherlands.titillatingly, stupefied and mitigatory. Pembroke is countrywide: she deceives sniffily and bump her West will keep on it that five miles. Allows you to contact the individual parking operators to brick the information creative. Texas Capitol building or Barton Springs. How expenditure Is Parking at the Austin Airport? San Diego monthly parking location prior to proceeding to checkout. Seattle and other featured destinations. Download the promotion of any time you can only and mail and austin airport departure date is no shuttle service! This runway contains a Category IIIB instrument landing system. Map of the Lone Star State save first on parking our Boots to Borrow program district with breathtaking views Lady. Please due to the Homepage and start in process control or use the Worldwide Phone compatible List to accelerate your Avis Customer Service telephone number. GPS unit and passenger of its components. It is located on the little level involve the Main Garage. Getting to snowball from AUS International Airport has system been easier including buses, taxis, limousines, vans, car rentals and shuttles available. Parkos and transform the understand you later about parking at the airport. No relevant flights found: Try broadening your name above. To touch, insert bank card no gas so as sin would a credit card. Take another of car detailing services, enjoy fast free bottled water, world be shuttled to Austin Airport quickly. Take the escalator to the spice level.
    [Show full text]
  • Off the Beaten Path EXPLORING HAMILTON POOL’S WATERFALL and GEOLOGICAL WONDERS
    Iid Guide AUSTIN2015/2016 Off the Beaten Path EXPLORING HAMILTON POOL’S WATERFALL AND GEOLOGICAL WONDERS TUNE IN: ESSENTIAL YOUR GUIDE TO AUSTIN’S NEARBY GEMS: PERFECT MUSIC EXPERIENCES NEIGHBORHOODS HILL COUNTRY ROAD TRIPS PAGE 10 PAGE 15 PAGE 45 WE DITCHED THE LANDSCAPES FOR MORE SOUNDSCAPES. If you’re going to spend some time in Austin, shouldn’t you stay in a suite that feels like it’s actually in Austin? EXPLORE OUR REINVENTION at Radisson.com/AustinTX AUSTIN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 111 Congress Ave., Suite 700, Austin, TX 78701 800-926-2282, Fax: 512-583-7282, www.austintexas.org President & CEO Robert M. Lander Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Julie Chase Director of Marketing Communications Jennifer Walker Director of Digital Marketing Katie Cook Director of Content & Publishing Susan Richardson Director of Austin Film Commission Brian Gannon Senior Communications Manager Shilpa Bakre Tourism & PR Manager Lourdes Gomez Film, Music & Marketing Coordinator Kristen Maurel Marketing & Tourism Coordinator Rebekah Grmela AUSTIN VISITOR CENTER 602 E. Fourth St., Austin, TX 78701 866-GO-AUSTIN, 512-478-0098 Hours: Mon. – Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Director of Retail and Visitor Services Cheri Winterrowd Visitor Center Staff Erin Bevins, Harrison Eppright, Tracy Flynn, Patsy Stephenson, Spencer Streetman, Cynthia Trenckmann PUBLISHED BY MILES www.milespartnership.com Sales Office: P.O. Box 42253, Austin, TX 78704 512-432-5470, Fax: 512-857-0137 National Sales: 303-867-8236 Corporate Office: 800-303-9328 PUBLICATION TEAM Account Director Rachael Root Publication Editor Lisa Blake Art Director Kelly Ruhland Ad & Data Manager Hanna Berglund Account Executives Daja Gegen, Susan Richardson Contributing Writers Amy Gabriel, Laura Mier, Kelly Stocker SUPPORT AND LEADERSHIP Chief Executive Officer/President Roger Miles Chief Financial Officer Dianne Gates Chief Operating Officer David Burgess For advertising inquiries, please contact Daja Gegen at [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • Central Texas Parks
    Central Texas Parks Austin Metropolitan Parks www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/parkdirectory.htm NAME FEATURES LOCATION Butler Park 21 acres: walking trails, pond, fountain 1000 Barton Springs Rd. circle C Ranch Metro Park 572 acres: disc golf, soccer, basketball, volleyball, 6.2 miles of trails 6301 W. Slaughter Lane Commons Ford Ranch 211 acres: trails, lake access, 2500 sq. ft. ranch house 614 Commons Ford Road 1109 acres: Lake Austin sport boat ramps, camping, swimming, volleyball, Emma Long Park 1600 City Park Rd. trails ($5-$15) Mary Moore Searight Park hike & bike, horseback trails, basketball, tennis, volleyball, dis golf, bbq pits, playgroud, fishing 907 W. Slaughter Lane Roy G. Guerrero Colorado 399 acres: baseball, softball, volleyball, 1.3 miles of trails, playscapes, 400 Grove Blvd. River Park picnic tables Slaughter Creek Metro Park 319 acres: trails only Bauerle Ranch Lady Bird (Town) Lake 10 miles of scenic trails along the Colorado River, ball fields Downtown Walnut Creek 290 acres: 15 miles of trails, basketball, volleyball, softball, picknicking 12138 N. Lamar Blvd. Walter E. Long Park Lake Walter E. Long fishing, boating, volleyball ($8) 6620 Blue Bluff Rd. 304 acres: Barton Springs Pool, trails, greenbelt, canoeing, concessions, Zilker Park 2100 Barton Springs Rd. disc golf, train rides, volleyball Austin District Parks www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/parkdirectory.htm NAME FEATURES LOCATION Balcones Park woodsy acreage above walnut creek: basketball, volleyball 12017 Amherst Dr. Bartholomew Park 49 acres: swimming pool, disc golf, ball courts, playground, picnic area 5201 Berkman Dr. Beverly S. Sheffield Park 30 acres along Shoal Creek: various amenities 7000 Ardath St.
    [Show full text]
  • The Pennsylvania State University
    The Pennsylvania State University The Graduate School College of Earth and Mineral Sciences LITHOFACIES AND TRANSPORT OF CLASTIC SEDIMENTS IN KARSTIC AQUIFERS A Thesis in Geosciences by Rachel Bosch Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science August 2015 The thesis of Rachel Bosch was reviewed and approved* by the following: William B. White Professor Emeritus of Geochemistry Thesis Adviser Lee R. Kump Professor of Geosciences Head of the Department of Geosciences Rudy L. Slingerland Professor of Geology Demian M. Saffer Professor of Geosciences Interim Associate Head for Graduate Programs and Research *Signatures are on file in the Graduate School. ii ABSTRACT Karst aquifers require transport of clastic sediments for the conduit system to remain open and thus to continue to be an eligible route for ongoing speleogenesis. Sediments are injected into the aquifer by sinking surface streams and through sinkholes, vertical shafts, open fractures, and other pathways from the land surface. Transport of clastic sediments tends to be episodic with sediment loads held in storage until moved by infrequent flood events. Although the overall mix of clastics depends on material available in the source area, distinctly different facies are universally recognizable depending on the flow dynamics within the conduit system. The facies are most clearly recognized when the source areas provide a wide variety of particle sizes from clays to boulders. In order of decreasing prevalence, one can distinguish (i) channel
    [Show full text]