Why is Jacob's well drying up?


Why is Jacob's well drying up? For the second year in a row, the iconic spring-fed swimming hole has stopped flowing, the consequence of drought and overpumping. It was a scorching day in July 2022 when I last peered into Jacob's Well.


What is happening with Jacobs well?

For the second year in a row, the iconic spring-fed swimming hole has stopped flowing, the consequence of drought and overpumping. It was a scorching day in July 2022 when I last peered into Jacob's Well.


Why is Jacobs well going dry?

Extreme drought plus relentless growth is depleting the groundwater in this suburbanizing part of the Hill Country. As water levels decline, springs are drying up. As bad as last summer was, summer 2023 has been worse.


Does Jacobs well have a bottom?

The well takes an initial plunge through 23 feet of well-lit water to an apparent bottom, but then it veers off into a descent of increasing darkness. I visited with Gregg Tatum who has logged over 250 dives there. He says it is no place for a novice.


How long has Jacobs well been closed?

The swim spot has been closed since June 2022. It has been over a year since one of the most popular swim spot in the Texas Hill Country had enough water for guests to enjoy.