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Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center
In order for the Trinity Aquifer to receive water, rain has to percolate into the geologic formations that form the Trinity Aquifer. Outcrops, formations that are on the ground-surface, recharge the aquifer most efficiently. Rainfall seeps into the outcrop, which then slowly moves through tiny pores in the rock creating recharge.
Rivers, streams and lake bottoms contribute to continous recharge of the Trinity Aquifer. Some examples of rivers in the region are Perndales, Blanco, and Guadalupe. These rivers have corresponding drainage basins. Also there are four major lakes Travis, Lake Austin, Canyon Lake, and Medina Lake. (Mace 2000)
The brown area is exposed Middle Trinity Aquifer formations on the surface. Theses formations Lower Glen Rose Limestone, Hensel Sand, and Cow Creek Limestone allow water to directly recharge the aquifer. The water cycle within geologic formations can take thousands of years once the water hits the surface to percolate through the formations to provide water in domestic wells.
