Power Point Part 1

Version 1.0

Aquifer Agents - Introduction - Par1

Aquifer Agents UNIT LEARNINGGOAL: Understand YOUR role and the role of The Edwards Aquifer Authority in the management, conservation, and protection of the EdwardsAquifer.

The San Antonio region has always depended on the Edwards Aquifer for its water needs.

Native American encampments dotted the rivers fed by springs discharging from the Edwards Aquifer.

The fresh-flowing springs provided

an abundant water supply.

San Antonio and San Pedro springs were some of the reasons Spanish settlers chose to settle in what we now know as San Antonio starting around 1718. These settlers brought ideas from Roman architecture and built systems to carry water from the river out into the surrounding land, known as acequias (pictured).

Water from the Edwards Aquifer continued to support the San Antonio community as it grew and more immigrants moved to the area, including German immigrants who established breweries throughout the area, such as the Pearl Brewery, pictured.

As the city began to modernize with plumbing infrastructure, new systems of underground pipes were created, including this pump house built in the 1880s that is still found in Brackenridge Park, in the heart of San Antonio.

For many reasons, including the abundant water supply, the region continues to grow exponentially:

San Antonio Area Population Over Time

Today, water from the Edwards Aquifer supports life and industry throughout eight counties in South Central Texas.

Some consumers of Edwards Aquifer water include:

MUNICIPALITY : The San Antonio Water System, the utility company that brings water from the aquifer (and other sources) directly to homes in the City of San Antonio. RECREATION : SeaWorld San Antonio and Splashtown are theme parks that features tanks of aquatic animals who perform in live shows as well as water park amusement rides.

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Water Consumers, Continued

AGRICULTURE : Another user of water in Bexar County are farmers. They pump water from the aquifer for irrigation of crops including vegetables, wheat, and cotton. INDUSTRY : Opened in 2003 on the South Side of San Antonio, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas is a major manufacturing plant and water user. The plant works to be a low- to zero- waste facility, working to recycle and reuse resources throughout the plant.

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BREAKOUT GROUPFORMATION Please report to your Aquifer Agent assigned locations at this time.