Extreme drought plus relentless growth is depleting the groundwater in this suburbanizing part of the Hill Country. As water levels decline, springs are drying up. As bad as last summer was, summer 2023 has been worse. It's hotter and drier.
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Extreme drought plus relentless growth is depleting the groundwater in this suburbanizing part of the Hill Country. As water levels decline, springs are drying up. As bad as last summer was, summer 2023 has been worse.
For the second year in a row, the iconic spring-fed swimming hole has stopped flowing, the consequence of drought and overpumping. It was a scorching day in July 2022 when I last peered into Jacob's Well.
The well takes an initial plunge through 23 feet of well-lit water to an apparent bottom, but then it veers off into a descent of increasing darkness. I visited with Gregg Tatum who has logged over 250 dives there. He says it is no place for a novice.
The well still produces clear, drinking water, and visitors are allowed to draw water from the well and drink it. Jacob's Well is considered to be the most authentic Christian holy site as no one can move a well that is more than 40 meters deep.
Swimming and Tours at Jacob's WellSwimmers can stay in the shallows to enjoy the cool water, or jump from an overcrop into the 23' well. For those who'd rather explore the surrounding areas, there are several hiking trails in the natural area that are suitable for all skill levels.