SwRI awarded grant to characterize Las Moras Springs watershed

SAN ANTONIO — November 5, 2024 — Hydrologists at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) will begin a 12-month targeted water-sampling campaign of the Las Moras Springs system near Brackettville, Texas. The project will analyze and characterize the system of springs and their relationship to the Pinto Creek watershed to improve water management and conservation efforts.

“Las Moras, like many other Texas spring systems, are at-risk and prone to going dry. It is important to clear up uncertainties about their source and relationship with the neighboring Pinto Creek watershed,” said SwRI Research Scientist Mauricio Flores, who is leading the project

Using advanced chemical testing, Flores hopes substances found in the samples will shed light on exactly where the spring water originates and how it arrives at Las Moras Springs. The team will also compare current and historical data to quantify the amount of groundwater that’s regularly pumped from the regional water system.

“Without better understanding of the source area and relationship with neighboring watersheds, it will continue to be difficult to effectively manage those water resources,” said Flores.

The Las Moras Springs system, which flows from the Edwards Aquifer, discharges 12-14 million gallons of water a day. The natural resource funnels into the Rio Grande and provides water for people living in Kinney County. The surrounding area also provides habitat for an array of plants and wildlife, including the threatened Devils River minnow and endangered Golden-cheeked warbler. Las Moras adds to the cultural landscape in Brackettville and surrounding communities, dating back thousands of years.

Excessive groundwater pumping and recurrent drought, which can reduce water flow and cause subsequent water quality issues, threaten Las Moras Springs and water security in Kinney County.

The project is supported by a $50,000 grant from the Coypu Foundation, which supports environmental research. The project will continue SwRI’s efforts to characterize sensitive water resources in Texas and beyond.

For questions, visit https://www.swri.org/industries/water-resource-services .