Understanding Springflow
Springflow is the amount of water in a stream that came directly from groundwater, often through springs or seeps. These groundwater sources may be visibly flowing into the stream or they may be less obviously entering from below the water surface.
Springflow cannot always be measured directly at Comal or San Marcos springs. Instead, the USGS measures streamflow at two gages located downstream from the spring networks, Comal River at New Braunfels and San Marcos River at San Marcos.
What is the difference between Springflow and Streamflow?
Streamflow at these two locations is made up of springflow (from springs and seeps) and surface-water runoff (from storm events).
- During non-storm periods, all streamflow at these two gages comes from springflow.
- During storm events, the relative contributions of springflow and surface water runoff are estimated by USGS staff.
After the storm events, springflow is recalculated using a computer program following standard springflow separation methods and the previous estimates are updated with the newer values. The computed springflow values are calculated and checked each weekday before being released online.
Why Comal and San Marcos?
The Comal and San Marcos Springs are the largest major springs in the San Antonio segment of the Edwards Aquifer in central Texas, and among the largest springs in the southwestern US. The Comal springs network in New Braunfels includes 9 main springs and hundreds of smaller springs, many located under Landa Lake. Likewise, the San Marcos springs network in San Marcos is made up of hundreds of small springs under Spring Lake.
This spring water provides habitat for endangered and threatened species that are required to be protected, provides water for supply and recreational uses, and provides fresh water that flows to the Guadalupe River and beyond. Water resource managers must know the amount of springflow to make daily decisions to balance the many water needs, particularly during periods of low flow.
