Bubbling tree a fountain of mystery

Is it an artesian spring, a broken water pipe or an abandoned well?

Lucille Pope's red oak tree in San Antonio, Texas, USA, has gurgled water for about three months, and experts can't seem to get to the root of the problem. Pope, 65, has sought answers from the Texas Forest Service, the Edwards Aquifer Authority and nurseries. They have taken pictures and conducted studies, but none have arrived at a firm answer.

Her son, Lloyd, 47, discovered water leaking from the tree in April. He said it was cool, like it came from the tap. The only damp spot around the tree trunk is where the water lands.

George Rice, a hydrologist on the board of the authority, and Annalisa Peace, executive director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, are among those who looked at the tree for answers.

"I've never seen anything like this before," Rice said. "If you wanted to dream something up I'd say that somehow water pressure underneath is forced through some kind of channel in the tree. But that's still very unlikely."

After a sip of water from the tree, Rice said it tasted like it could have had a trace of saline, almost like something that could have gone through natural dissolving salts.

Mark Peterson, a regional community forester from the Texas Forest Service, paid a visit several weeks ago. He hasn't done any extensive research but still is trying to figure out what is happening.

Peterson said he believes it could be a spring, but pointed out that would be rare with the drought conditions this summer.

"If it is a burst pipe their monthly bill would be enormous," Peterson said. "It would definitely be reflected in their bill."

Lucille Pope said her water bill is normal and hasn't fluctuated from the monthly average.

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