Preface

The Edwards Aquifer in the State of Texas, United States of America (USA), is a very productive and highly studied karst aquifer. Karst terrains are created from dissolution of soluble rocks, principally limestone and dolomite. They are characterized by distinctive landforms (like springs, caves, sinkholes) and unique hydrogeology that results in aquifers that are highly productive but vulnerable to contamination. The Edwards Aquifer provides water for over 2 million people as well as for agriculture, industry, recreation, and environmental uses. However, its sustainable use is challenged by rapidly increasing urban population (expected to double in several decades), climate change (increased droughts and floods), urbanization and contamination, the need to protect groundwater ecosystems and their endangered species, and evolving water laws and policies. This book reviews various geologic units of the aquifer and its unique geologic, hydraulic, water quality, ecologic, legal, and environmental aspects.

Despite over a century of study of the Edwards Aquifer, there remain significant challenges to the sustainable use of this aquifer. Better mapping, more detailed field data, improved numerical models, enhanced recharge, more optimal pumping strategies, and new technologies, including desalination and aquifer storage and recovery, will have to be implemented to meet the challenges of the Edwards Aquifer and karst aquifers globally.