Nueces River and Regional Water Update — September 29, 2025
Overview
On September 29, 2025, new field measurements were recorded along the Nueces River as part of ongoing documentation of salinity, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS) throughout the lower basin. Drone imagery was also captured near Driscoll, Texas, documenting two South Texas Water Authority (STWA) and Seven Seas Water Group test wells.
In addition, this update provides general educational context on long-term drought impacts, groundwater pumping, and hydrologic monitoring indices, as defined by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and related scientific sources.
Field Measurements — September 29, 2025
Upstream (Morning Reading)
Salinity: 0.6 ppt
TDS: 820 mg/L
Temperature: 79.0°F
Well Cluster Discharge
Salinity: 3.1 ppt
TDS: 3,759 mg/L
Temperature: 80.6°F
Hazel Bazemore Boat Ramp
Salinity: 0.9 ppt
TDS: 1,141 mg/L
Temperature: 82.6°F
Instrument Used: YSI Pro30 Water Quality Meter
Well Status:
Well 4 has resumed pumping.
The well cluster remains active.
Well 1 continues rework operations.
USGS Monitoring Station Data — Nueces River at Bluntzer (Station 08211200)
Date/Time: September 29, 2025, 11:00 AM CDT
Gage Height: 6.67 ft
Discharge: 37.2 cubic feet per second
Dissolved Oxygen: 7.6 mg/L
pH: 8.4
TDS (approx.): 845 mg/L
Water Temperature: 85.3°F
Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Regional Observations — Seven Seas / STWA Driscoll Test Wells
Two test wells associated with the South Texas Water Authority and Seven Seas Water Group are located north of Driscoll, between the Tesla plant and the city limits.
According to public well records:
Well #699438 — approximately 1,500 feet deep with a 9-inch diameter.
Well #703290 — approximately 940 feet deep with a 24/30-inch diameter.
Both wells are classified as test wells. Public access to official well data is available through the Texas Water Development Board’s database.
Drone images from September 29 provide a visual record of the surrounding area and ongoing activity.
Educational Section: Understanding Long-Term Drought Impacts
Long-term drought can have significant hydrological, agricultural, and ecological consequences.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, these impacts include:
Hydrological Impacts
Increased groundwater pumping can contribute to aquifer depletion, subsidence, and loss of storage capacity.
In coastal areas, it can also lead to saltwater intrusion, which may degrade freshwater aquifers.
During drought, reduced river flow can alter natural discharge patterns and limit surface water recharge.
Agricultural and Ecological Impacts
Prolonged drought can cause crop and forage losses, stress on livestock, and vegetation dieback.
Invasive plant species often replace native vegetation under drought stress, which can affect habitat diversity and increase wildfire risks.
Sustained dry conditions reduce wildlife habitat and water availability for ecosystems.
Monitoring Indices
Long-term drought monitoring uses several indices, such as:
Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI): Measures duration and intensity of drought patterns.
Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI): Tracks short- and long-term precipitation anomalies.
Reservoir and Groundwater Level Indices: Observe water storage and availability changes over time.
Source: National Centers for Environmental Information — NOAA (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov)
Discussion
Recent public planning documents have referenced ongoing regional groundwater exploration projects. As reflected in municipal and water authority discussions, multiple entities are pursuing groundwater development within Nueces County.
The Nueces Groundwater Conservation District (NGCD) proposal remains focused on the mission of conserving, preserving, and protecting groundwater resources. NGCD’s efforts are non-regulatory at this stage and centered on data transparency, community education, and sustainable water management practices.
For residents and stakeholders, understanding both the science of groundwater movement and policy implications of water planning is essential to making informed, balanced decisions about resource management.
