Jacob's Well closed due to flooding after seeing 'the most rain in years'
WIMBERLEY, Texas (KXAN) – Jacob’s Well Natural Area closed to the public Thursday after minor flooding. The popular swimming hole has already been closed for the past three summers due to low flow. Before this week’s weather, the spring had zero flow.
David Baker, executive director of the Watershed Association, arrived around 3 a.m. to check on conditions. “It looked like the Colorado River. Water was just roaring through here,” Baker said.
While water levels dropped a few hours later, Baker said it’s something he’s been waiting for. “This rain is so welcome,” he said, adding “It’s been probably the most rain we’ve had in the last last four and a half years.”
Baker also said there’s still a long way to go to catch up with drought conditions. “We just had kind of a perfect storm last night, if you will, that hit the recharge zone. It kind of stayed there for several hours,” said Baker.
He expects the water to keep flowing for a few weeks to a month—unless more rain comes.
KXAN has previously reported that water levels at the pool have remained low for years, with experts citing prolonged drought and increased groundwater pumping.
In 2022, Jacob’s Well recorded zero flow — just the fifth or sixth time that has happened.
Rising groundwater demand continues to impact flow levels, as local development and population growth increase pressure on the aquifer. Jacob’s Well draws from the same aquifer used by many Hays County residents in the Jacob’s Well Groundwater Management Zone.
