Flow of the San Marcos Spring (continued from page 1)

The continued lack of rainfall within the recharge zone and the consequent low discharge of water into the Springs demonstrates that the Edwards Aquifer is a limited resource. Therefore, in compliance with the San Marcos Ordinance, Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), and state law, Texas State University is mandated to continuously monitor the San Marcos Springs at Spring Lake. 
 Currently, the discharge flow rate of the San Marcos Springs is on average 100 cfs, however as cfs continues to decline it not only affects the level of Spring Lake but visibility as well.  Moreover, in accordance with the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), once the discharge flow of the San Marcos Springs reach 100 cfs then the Aquarena Center will have to implement a Diving Drought Protocol (DDP).  This DDP requires limiting the number of Diving for Science Volunteers submerged in Spring Lake, to 2-3 divers, at a given spring location and time.  This DDP is for the safety of our volunteer scuba divers, who will find themselves in closer proximity to glass bottom boat traffic as the lake level continues to drop in response to declining cfs flow of the San Marcos Springs.  Unfortunately, this might affect convenience of dive times, where scheduling will be on a first come first dive basis.  Furthermore, also in compliance with the HCP, once discharge of the San Marcos Springs reaches 75 cfs, all scuba diving activities will be prohibited within Spring Lake.

 

Sources from:

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Texas Department of Agriculture

Newztream San Marcos

To keep an eye on the flow of the San Marcos Springs:

See USGS real time data for current conditions.