Better safe than sorry
Submitted report
With the exceptional rainfall and creek/river flows, the aquifers have been recharging with this storm water. Because our karst aquifers recharge quickly, there is little filtration of storm water. It is always wise to use caution if you notice a change in appearance, smell, or taste in your water.
To be on the safe side, you can boil or treat (UV light or chlorine treatment systems take care of bacteria) or switch to bottled water. Runoff can wash bacteria or other contaminants from the surface into the groundwater systems in our area. In fact, Hays County Government has issued a boil water notice for its residents drinking well water: http://www.haysinformed.com/water-boil-notice.aspx
Wells located in flood plains or along known flow paths in the aquifer are most susceptible to changes in water quality due to storm flows.
This information came from the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District.
