Water salinity parameters analysis of the winter garden region in the southern area of Texas

The increase of human and industrial activities has led to a decrease in groundwater levels and increases in water contaminants in aquifers. Contaminants produce more saline waters, which are harmful for human consumption and affect the composition of soil used for agriculture. Saline waters require additional treatment, increasing operating costs. Salinity parameters allow for the study of groundwater conditions to determine its quality. Amongst these parameters, the most common measures for salinity are total dissolved solids (TDS), specific conductivity (SC), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). The Winter Garden region in the southern area of Texas is underlain by part of the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer, an underground water-bearing formation which contains mostly fresh and brackish water. Recent studies in the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer suggest a slight decline in water level and water quality in the Winter Garden region. The region’s groundwater resources are vital for agriculture, which is its main economic activity. This research conducted statistical and spatial-temporal studies regarding current water salinity characteristics in the Winter Garden region, as well as estimation of groundwater conditions up to the year 2030 to determine its suitability for agriculture. Research was performed by using historic groundwater data from the Texas Water Development Board from 1950 to 2020 to determine the changes in TDS, SC, and SAR. This was conducted using ArcGIS spatial analysis tools and statistical methods. Results showed small increments in salinity parameters up to the year 2030, which may not affect agricultural activities in the Winter Garden region in the future