Res 2011-037 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Additionally, the San Antonio Water Systems (SAWS) investigated the use of reclaimed water, or effluent, for golf course irrigation over the recharge zone. Elevated nitrate concentrations were detected in wells down gradient from the course with regards to the general northeastern flow of the Edwards Aquifer. Compounds such as endocrine -disrupting pharmaceuticals, hormones, antibiotics, etc. that could remain in treated reuse water were not analyzed in the study (Ross, Rice, 2005). As mentioned previously, other studies have confirmed the introduction of contaminants to groundwater, such as increased levels of nitrate-N, boron, chloride, and the pharmaceutical drug carbamazepine, as a result of effluent land application (Drewes et al., 2003; Katz, Griffin, Davis, 2009). Through the systematic monitoring of groundwater near the Paso Robles site from both up gradient and down gradient wells, this thesis project will provide valuable data to assess potential effects on the groundwater by construction on this critical area, the application of wastewater effluent on the golf course, and the use of residential herbicides and insecticides over the recharge and contributing zones of the Balcones Fault Zone Edwards Aquifer. Timely identification of contaminants would allow for the correction of management practices and the future preservation of the aquifer. Continued monitoring of groundwater, as well as of surface water and perhaps even soil, following the completion of this project would be beneficial in ensuring the viability of this aquifer and its associated habitats. References Abbot PL. 1977. Effects of Balcones Faults on groundwater movement, South Central Texas. The Texas Journal of Science 29 (1,2): 5-14. Barrett ME, Malina JF, Charbeneau RJ, Ward GH. 1995. Water quality and quantity impacts of highway construction and operation: summary and conclusions. Center for Research in Water Resources Technical Report CRWR 266, The University of Texas at Austin; 35 p. Blome CD, Faith KR., Ozuna GB. 2007. Geohydrologic framework of the Edwards and Trinity aquifers south-central Texas. U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2006-3145; 4 p. The City of Austin, Texas. 1995. The Edwards Aquifer Region Map. Retrieved 10 December 2010 from Austin City Connection —The Official Website of The City of Austin, Texas, http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/help/edwardsaquifennap.htm. Drewes JE, Heberer T, Rauch T, Redderson K. 2003. Fate of pharmaceuticals during ground water recharge. Ground Water Monitoring & Remediation 23(3): 64-72. Ford D, Williams P. 2007. Karst Hydrogeology and Geomorphology. London: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 562 p. Foster A. 2007. Occurrence and fate of endocrine disruptors through the San Marcos Wastewater Treatment Plant. MA Thesis -Chemistry Department. Texas State University; 68 p. Goldscheider N, Drew D, editors. 2007. Methods in karst hydrogeology. London: Taylor & Francis; 264 p. Grubb HW. 1997. The Edwards Aquifer: conflicts surrounding use of a regional water milli