HAYS COUNTY, Texas — Jacob's Well is one of the state's most popular swimming holes, known for its cool springs and underwater cave. But the ongoing drought conditions in Central Texas have halted the Wimberley-area hot spot's water flow.
The Facebook page for Jacob's Well posted an update on Wednesday, saying that the U.S. Geologic Survey measured a zero cfs discharge from the swimming hole in recent days. That means that Jacob's Well has officially ceased flowing for only the fourth time in recorded history.
The post said the situation is cause for concern and is the result of both the ongoing drought and increased levels of groundwater pumping.
"This is the worst I have ever seen it. I have lived here 34 years and I have never seen this condition in such a short period of time," said Wimberley Valley Watershed Association Executive Director David Baker.
Water from Jacob's Well flows into Canyon Creek. Baker said when it comes to the environment, Canyon Creek is very important for wildlife in the area, and he said they are seeing the impacts.
"Those aquatic species that depend on that water have either perished or migrated downstream to pools that are there, it means lower dissolved oxygen where there is water," Baker said.
Swimming at Jacob's Well remains canceled for the foreseeable future, but the park is still opening for hiking and viewing the spring.
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