A WEBSITE FOR GROUNDWATER PROTECTION INFORMATION IN TEXAS: SURFACE CASING ESTIMATOR SITE

The Surface Casing Estimator Site (http://www.beg.utexas.edu/sce/index.html), a website that calculates estimated depths of groundwater and stratigraphic horizons related to possible groundwater protection determinations and surface-casing requirements in Texas, will be presented. The Estimator Site provides elevations and depths for the base of fresh water, base of usable-quality water, base of underground sources of drinking water (USDW), and the top and base of selected water-bearing stratigraphic units. It also displays well locations, land surveys, and images of geophysical logs. The site is intended to provide general, non-regulatory information to the public and to help operators plan wells and obtain a Groundwater Protection Determination Letter from the Railroad Commission of Texas Groundwater Advisory Unit (RRC GAU). Construction of the Estimator Site is an ongoing, multi-year effort that is supported by the RRC GAU. Project work involves review and interpretation of RRC GAU data and geophysical logs, input/guidance from RRC GAU staff, and construction and programing of Estimator Site data sets. The site currently provides non-regulatory estimates for groundwater horizons in 57 counties and allows viewing of more than 8,000 geophysical logs.