Jacob's Well Groundwater Management Zone

Project Summary

The Meadows Center, in collaboration with the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (the District), conducted a study to evaluate a potential groundwater management zone to preserve flows to Jacob’s Well in the Wimberley Valley region.

Jacob’s Well, a karst spring originating in the Middle Trinity Aquifer, is the primary source of base flow to Cypress Creek, which flows through the towns of Woodcreek and Wimberley and into the Blanco River. Cypress Creek and Jacob's Well provide important ecological, hydrological, and economic benefits to Wimberley, Woodcreek, and the surrounding areas.

The report was completed by a scientific technical committee of groundwater scientists and a stakeholder advisory committee formed by the District. Our Interim Executive Director, Dr. Robert Mace, and Director of Watershed Services, Nick Dornak, served on the stakeholder advisory committee; Meadows Center Fellow, Doug Wierman, served on the scientific committee.

Ultimately, the report recommended two potential groundwater management zones, a Jacob's Well Groundwater Management Zone and a Regional Recharge Area Groundwater Management Zone, along with recommendations of management strategies that would ensure Jacob's Well continues to flow, even during drought or heavy usage conditions.

These findings led to the District’s adoption of Rule 15, which expands permitting requirements for non-exempt wells and added mandatory drought curtailments for all permit holders located within the Jacob's Well Groundwater Management Zone.