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CHAPTER II.
ARTESIAN WELLS OF THE COASTAL PRAIRIE REGION AND TERTIARY
BELT OF TEXAS.
The best statistical report on the artesian wells of Texas which has here tofore been published is that of Mr. F. E. Roesler, but that is confined almost exclusively to the territory west of the 97th meridian, and up to this time no comprehensive report of reliable character has been published relative to the artesian wells of the coastal prairie region and Tertiary belt. This report is intended to remedy the omission by giving the location, depth, diameter of pipe, flow, and quality of water of every well in that area, so far as I have been able to secure definite and reliable information.
From the data collected, the deduction is drawn that flowing wells can be had throughout the coast prairie region, from the Guadalupe river to the Sabine, at depths varying from 64 feet in De Witt county to 1100 feet at Velasco, in Brazoria county, and that the water, as a rule, is of excellent quality in all wells distant from 10 to 15 miles or more from the coast.
Outside of the coast prairie region, and west of the Guadalupe river, the artesian water conditions vary so greatly and continually, through thinning out of the water-bearing sands, or their entire absence in many localities, that no large area can at present be designated as an artesian water district, and until the investigations of the Geological Survey have extended over those regions, a special study of the surrounding artesian water conditions must be made for any locality where it is designed to drive a well before a satisfactory conclusion can be reached as to the probability of obtaining flowing water, or as to the depth at which it can be reached.
The abundant underground water supply of the coast prairie region, which the city of Houston has demonstrated is practically inexhaustible, has been utilized to a very limited extent; but it has been carried far enough to show that the agricultural possibilities of this rich prairie region,"
Letter from the Secretary of Agriculture transmitting a report on the pre- liminary investigation to determine the proper location of artesian wells within the area of the 97th meridian and east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Washington, 1890.