All About the Aquifer
Watch: All about the Edwards Aquifer (3:14 mins)
Roger Andrade, EAA Groundwater Protection Manager, discusses some facts about the Edwards Aquifer system and groundwater protection.
Vocabulary
Recharge Zone
The part of the Edwards Aquifer with sinkholes and fractures where rainwater easily enters and refills the aquifer.
Contributing Zone
Also called the Drainage Zone, the watersheds in this area drain into streams or areas where water is quickly absorbed into the Edwards Aquifer.
Artesian Zone
The section of the Edwards Aquifer where the water pressure brings water to the surface naturally in springs and some wells.
Karst
A landscape, often made of limestone, that has characteristic landforms such as sinkholes and caves produced by dissolution of rock by water.
Well
A human-made hole in the ground, dug to pump out water.
Spring
A place where water flows from the aquifer to the surface.
Learn More
Watch: Doc Edwards’ Amazing Aquifer Adventure Video (10.44 mins)
Tour the Edwards Aquifer with “Doc Edwards” and two students.
Watch: Tour the Inside of an Edwards Aquifer Well (2.39 mins)
This compilation video features various wells from the Edwards Aquifer system.
PODCAST
Videos
Watch: Edible Aquifer Activity (3.53 mins)
Genevieve and William make an aquifer in a cup to visually represent the Edwards Aquifer System.
Watch: Karst Learning Zone (4.57 mins)
How does water get in and out of the aquifer? Watch the EAA education team explain how pressure in the aquifer helps us get our water.
Activities
The Incredible, Edible Aquifer
Learn how to make an Edible Aquifer. Learning has never been so tasty!
Where is the Aquifer Located
Find out how the Edwards Aquifer works to provide the clean fresh water we all count on. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!