Does an Artesian Spring Mean Natural Gas Is Present?

An artesian spring or well taps an aquifer where water flows to the surface naturally, without the aid of a pump. The natural build-up of pressure pushes the water out.

Terminology

An aquifer is a porous and permeable zone of rock or unconsolidated system that stores water and where water can move through. Water scientists term a zone of rock, soil, or sediment through which water cannot move a "confining layer." Water enters an aquifer in the area where the aquifer is exposed at the surface, an area called the "recharge zone."

Artesian Aquifers

An artesian aquifer is one that is trapped between impermeable confining layers above and below. When new water enters the aquifer in the recharge zone, the weight of the water builds up pressure in confined areas. If the overlying confining layer is breached or penetrated, such as in a valley wall or cliff, the water from the aquifer will flow naturally.

Natural Gas Seep

Although natural gas does leak from the ground in some locations, this gas associated with buried accumulations of petroleum can seep out at the surface. Artesian springs are powered by internal water pressure and not by the presence of natural gas.

References

• University of Texas: Definition of an Aquifer
• Purdue University: Where Does Artesian Water Come From
• United States Geological Survey: What are Oil and Gas Seeps