A DETAILED HYDROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE DOWNTOWN SALADO SPRING COMPLEX

Flow from the downtown Salado spring complex is used as a Desired Future Condition (DFC) assessment of the Balcones Fault Zone Edwards aquifer Northern Segment by the Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District (CUWCD), provides habitat for a threatened salamander species (Eurycea chisholmensis), and is an historical, aesthetic and recreational major attraction for the Village of Salado, Texas. Literature references to the spring complex include Big Boiling, Little Boiling (Little Bubbly), Critchfield, Doc Benedict, Anderson and Robinson springs. This study includes two relatively new springs, Side Spring, associated with Little Boiling/Bubbly spring and Rock Spring, associated with Big Boiling Spring. The study does not include Robinson spring which appears to be connected locally to a separate fracture system.

A number of different methods were used to study the springs including dye tracing, radon measurements, data loggers (water levels, temperature, nitrate, and specific conductance), discharge flow measurements, infrared imagery, and stream profiles. Analyses revealed a well-connected karst fracture system with a northeast-southwest trend, rapid groundwater flow, constant temperatures, rapid recharge, and mildly elevated nitrate levels that fluctuate.

The results will aid decisions regarding multiuse sustainable management of the spring complex. Insights into recharge and flow rates will aid both the Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as well as the citizens of Salado and its visitors.