Environmental tritium in the Edwards Aquifer, central Texas 1963-71

Tritium concentrations of samples from 50 wells and springs in the Edwards aquifer in the San Antonio area of Texas have been analysed. Tritium now in the aquifer is partly natural cosmic ray produced tritium, but most is tritium produced by atmospheric thermonuclear tests in the 1950's and early 1960's. The tritium levels in atmospheric precipitation and streams recharging the Edwards are presented for comparison with the ground-water data.

In general, tritium distribution within the Edwards confirms the accepted pattern of water flow within the aquifer. Concentrations of greater than 20 tritium units occur in the recharge areas, while less than 1 tritium unit is present along the aquifer's southern and southeastern boundary.