RIVER UP IN SMOKE

Rise in vapes found in river drawing concerns from local conservationists

Tubing season often comes with an increase in trash collected during the summer, but an uptick in vape cartridges found in the San Marcos River is calling attention to the environmental effects of electronic cigarettes on the Edwards Aquifer.

Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, are battery powered smoking devices that allow users to inhale small amounts of nicotine through a liquid known as e-juice. The plastic units are commonly advertised as disposable and are often discarded after the e-juice runs out.