The Edwards Aquifer is a vital source of drinking water for millions of people in central Texas. It is a karstic aquifer, which means that it is made up of limestone that has been dissolved by groundwater, creating a network of underground caves and springs.
The construction of Interstate 45 (I-45) in the 1960s and 1970s caused significant damage to the Edwards Aquifer. The construction of the highway required the excavation of large quantities of limestone, which exposed the aquifer to the atmosphere. This allowed water to evaporate and saltwater to seep in, contaminating the aquifer.In addition, the construction of I-45 caused the water table in the aquifer to drop. This reduced the flow of springs and wells, and made it more difficult to extract water from the aquifer.
The damage to the Edwards Aquifer from the construction of I-45 is still being felt today. The aquifer is now more vulnerable to contamination, and the flow of springs and wells is still reduced. This has made it more difficult to meet the demand for drinking water in central Texas.
In 2008, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was responsible for the damage to the Edwards Aquifer caused by the construction of I-45. TxDOT has since been working to mitigate the damage, but it is a long and expensive process.
The damage to the Edwards Aquifer from the construction of I-45 is a reminder of the importance of protecting our water resources. We must be careful not to repeat the mistakes of the past, and we must work to ensure that our water resources are protected for future generations.