In my May 25 article, “The Blue Hole: a Center City Hidden Gem,” I noted that the Blue Hole remained dry despite official proclamations that declared the drought over. Since th San Antonio has benefited from a significant rainy spell and last week Helen Ballew, director of Headwaters at Incarnate Word, wrote that the Blue Hole began flowing again.
Buoyed by Helen’s comments, I ventured out to experience the marvel of the reemergence of the Mother Spring. Even though I have lived in San Antonio for almost 38 years and visited the University of the Incarnate Word numerous times (to see the Christmas Lights and attend athletic events) I never wandered the few extra yards needed to see one of San Antonio’s marvels until my May story. Then, the Blue Hole was merely a damp spot on the campus. Now might be the last time the spring flows for many years and I didn’t want to miss another chance to check it off my San Antonio Bucket List. My minimal effort was rewarded when I saw water bubbling out of the ground.
It was hot and muggy when I arrived at the Blue Hole after a casual morning at the Pearl Farmers Market shooting photos for Humans of Texas. Nestled under a clump of trees the Blue Hole stands out because the manmade walls are needed to keep the spring from eroding the surrounding land and allow safe access. I chatted with a few international visitors and told them of the historic significance of the spring.
After I left them I walked along the banks of the San Antonio River just downstream from the well and imagined what the indigenous natives or early Spanish settlers might have experienced. Under the trees and along the river bank the air was cool and delightfully peaceful. To my delight only the ripple of water could be heard, a pleasant reminder of the peaceful benefits an isolated locale can provide. I might have stayed and chucked stones into the river just to hear the splash on the pristine water if I wasn’t pressed for time. I was awed by my short visit to the Blue Hole and will make another trip soon, prepared for a longer walk or least allow time just to sit back enjoy the quiet.
The Blue Hole flows when Nature’s natural cycle of abundant rain raises the Edwards Aquifer level. The long range weather forecast suggests the return of our usual hot and dry summer followed by a wetter than usual fall because of El Niño. I encourage others to visit the Blue Hole before the inevitable dry times return and the sight of fresh, clean water flowing from the well becomes a memory. Given the random occurrence of rain in South Texas – like Tuesday’s downpour –my instinct tells me that this moment of joy may be short-lived.
*Featured/top image: Water in the Blue Hole sparkles with reflections of the sky. Photo by Warren Lieberman.
Related Stories:
National Academy of Sciences Lauds Edwards Aquifer Conservation Plan
Incarnate Word Sisters Welcome Pope’s Call to Action
The Blue Hole: A Center City Hidden Gem
Christopher Celis, this is similar to what we were talking about. We should check it out.
Lara Smedley
Sophie Tippit…our next running route 🙂
You’re so very right the abundance of rain has brought the springs back for now. Next year will be a very different story like the preceding years.
Pretty cool!
Andres Ernesto Rebel Mariposa Celina Moreno we want to go visit this area.
I’ve never seen this phenomenon, either! Must go, quick before it’s over.
Sarah Sargalski the blue hole lives!
Sooo, nice to see again.
There are small fish in the river on campus, nice to see nature try to recover, until the release from Olmos Dam of course
I think I first looked down it about a decade ago and it had water then. It wasn’t until the last few years that it was dry, but we were in severe drought. I don’t think it’s that touchy (if that’s the right word).
As I understand it the Aquifer level needs to be over 672 (approximate) for the well to flow.
Never knew that was there!
I never heard of this so thanks for the tip
Jaime Rowan
San Pedro Springs are flowing again too. It’s beautiful!
just knowing this exist is exciting but at the same time….oooooh its not consistent… but thats okay…this is nature….
Friends: Click on my latest article in the Rivard Report.
A very sacred spot, thanks for the reminder
it was in ancient times the goddess herself / the mother nature pouring out life in the form of water / it was bordered by the tree people and sheltered by the sky / it was the center the gathering place the birthplace of creation myths / the healing energy vortex
It’s a lovely part of UIW and my mother, who went to Alamo Heights HS in the 1930s said it was a favorite place to go on dates back then.
Warren, great article. I have heard of the Blue Hole – how do I get there?
Google it or find the Campus map for Incarnate Word, it is behind the volley ball court.
The rise and fall of the aquifer level, and the corresponding appearance and disappearance of spring flow at the Blue Hole, is of course related to rainfall, but ALSO to our collective water use (misuse). Water conservation + rainfall = Blue Hole spring flows!
i’m so happy to see the water flowing again even if just for a while
Correct.