NewsDrop-April-2025

ISSUE 2 - APRIL 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

W A T C H EAA BOARD MEETING ON FACEBOOK LIVE:

AQUIFER UPDATE

REGULATORY AFFAIRS GOUNDWATER PROTECTION WELLS A Well Told Testimony of Plans for an Abandoned Well Remedy.

FEATURE STORY ED TALKS Focused on land management and water sustainability, with valuable insights into nature based solutions for the region.

EAA GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT: The EAA groundwater withdrawal permitting program has been proven.

AQUIFER SCIENCE MITIGATING RISK TO THE AQUIFER DURING DROUGHTS This study represents the first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based analysis.

An aquifer conditions update is reported every month at the EAA board meeting to inform board members and the public about the status of the J-17 Index Well, J-27 Index Well, the Comal Springs

and the San Marcos Springs springflows.

These index wells and springs are indicators of the health of the aquifer and critical to drought management.

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WATER RESOURCES PEPSICO POSITIVE’S

EAHCP SOUND RESAning RESA ramps up its San Marcos River protection outreach program.

EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER THE EOC REACHES NEW HEIGHTS IN AQUIFER EDUCATION Educating young minds about the vital importance of our natural water resources.

EAA OUTREACH EAA’S ONGOING IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY Committing to Earth Day,

INVESTMENT MAKES WAVES Each year, the irrigation projects funded by the grant program save at least 400 acre-feet of water a year.

every day by driving impactful conservation efforts, focusing on education, sustainability, and community engagement.

The EAA board meeting takes place every second Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. You can watch the meetings on Facebook Live or click the link below:

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https://edwardsaquifer.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

COVER: The EAA Headquarters utilizes roof rain run-off and HVAC condensate capture to conserve the use of water. The main catchment cistern pictured here can hold up to 100,00 gallons and is used to water the landscaping features of the EAA complex year-round.

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GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Roland Ruiz General Manager

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT: THE EAA GROUNDWATER WITHDRAWAL PERMITTING PROGRAM HAS BEEN PROVEN.

GENERATIONS AGO, PEOPLE SETTLED HERE IN SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS DUE IN PART TO THE PLENTIFUL NATURAL RESOURCES OF THE REGION – PRIMARILY WATER.

TODAY,

as more and more people opt to make this part of Texas their home, we fret over possible impacts to the most critical of our water resources – the Edwards Aquifer. But rather than wringing our hands in worry, there are things we can do and, in fact, that we are doing, to ensure that the Edwards Aquifer remains a sustainable source of reliable, clean water in the face of an uncertain future. EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT: The EAA groundwater withdrawal permitting program has been proven. For nearly 30 years now, we have worked to perfect a regulatory framework that recognizes the groundwater ownership rights of Edward permit holders while

at the same time limiting use to ensure the region’s compliance with federal law mandating protections of the natural habitats of threatened and protected species in the two major spring systems – Comal and San Marcos springs. Maintaining this balance of regulatory stewardship supports not only ecolog ical purposes but benefits the overall viability of the aquifer as a reliable and resilient water supply for all users. INNOVATIVE ENHANCEMENT: What we know about the aquifer as a natural system significantly exceeds what was known when our statute, the EAA Act, was put into effect in 1996. As a result, we are better positioned now to educate and equip people to

be self-regulated stewards and in like manner to develop non-regulatory approaches such as nature-based land improvement programs that hold the promise of enhancing the quantity and quality of water recharging the aquifer well into the future. COLLABORATIVE PROTECTION: Among the things we’ve learned over decades of collecting and monitor ing aquifer data is that the Edwards remains substantively free of any nota ble impairment to its overall water quality. The aquifer is still the cleanest, naturally produced water available to the region. What we’ve also learned is

that maintaining this high level of quality is most probable through partner ship among industry, development, and environmental regulators where the region’s water conservation ethic connects us as a common interest for the wellbeing of our communities. Thus, it is clear that insofar as the EAA mission to manage, enhance and protect has safeguarded the Edwards Aquifer, it also has undeniably bene fited people. This includes those who have come to rely on it and appreci ate its value, and those of the next generation who have yet to come to such understanding but will, as long as we remain committed to the mission.

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MITIGATING RISK TO THE AQUIFER DURING DROUGHTS

THIS RESEARCH WAS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESTIGIOUS nature sustainability JOURNAL IN JANUARY 2025.

By: Hakan Ba ş a ğ ao ğ lu Associate Director, Modeling

measures in protecting spring flows and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Edwards Aquifer. This study represents the first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based analysis confirming the success of these strategies for the Edwards Aquifer system, providing valuable insights that contribute to both local and broader water manage ment practices.

Recent research conducted by EAA staff members Hakan Ba ş a ğ ao ğ lu and Paul Bertetti, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Texas at San Antonio (Dr. Chakraborty and his team), Oklahoma State University (Dr. Mirchi) and the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (Dr. Wootten), has demonstrated the ef fectiveness of existing water conservation

view: https://www.nature.com/ articles/s41893-024-01477-6

CONSERVATION MEASURES

USING SPECIALIZED AI TECHNIQUES innovate

Most importantly, the analysis reveals that the conservation measures have been effective and are expected to remain effective under future climate scenarios. Without these conservation efforts, the aquifer would likely have experienced lower water levels and spring flows, jeopardizing both the ecosystem and water supplies. In the coming years, as more data becomes avail able, the EAA plans to continue assessing the impact of each conservation measure on safe guarding the aquifer and the habitats and identify potential refinements using advanced tools and to effectively respond to evolving climate conditions.

assess their potential effectiveness under future climate conditions. The team conducted a study using specialized AI techniques to explore these “counterfactuals” — hypothetical scenarios that help plan strategically and mitigate risk to the aquifer and its ecosystem during droughts. This innovative approach allowed the research ers to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of conservation strategies in recent years and under projected climate conditions. This approach is more advanced than traditional predictive models, helping the agency plan by considering a wide range of potential climate scenarios derived from global climate models.

Over the past two decades, the EAA developed conservation and mitigation measures to man age groundwater withdrawals during periods of drought. The measures include restrictions on permitted withdrawals, incentive-based suspen sion of pumping, and use of the San Antonio Water Systems (SAWS) aquifer storage and recovery system. While the conservation measures have shown positive results during the drought of 2011–2014 and the current drought, challenges such as varying water use, population growth, and variable recharge rates have made it difficult to fully quantify their effectiveness.

The EAA sought evidence to evaluate the effec tiveness of these conservation measures and to

Artwork by: Micah Meyers

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FEATURE STORY

By: Kathleen Coglianese Aquifer Science Research Intern

ABOUT THE EDWARDS AQUIFER WITH THE PUBLIC. SHARING SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE

EDTalks is a new take on our previous distinguished lecture series with a more topic-based approach that explores current and existing issues, relevant research, and the application of research to the Edwards Aquifer and other aquifer systems of south-central Texas. The all-day EDTalks seminar in March was hosted at the Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park. The topic of EDTalks this year was Making connections between land management and the sustainability of water resources . EDTalks featured six speakers: Roland Ruiz (EAA), Matthew Berg, PhD (Simfero), Andrew Samson, PhD (Meadows Cen ter for Water and the Environment), Mollie Walton, PhD (MW Restoration Ecology), Brad Wilcox, PhD (Texas A&M Univer sity), and Michael Young, PhD (The University of Texas at Austin). Each speaker gave an educational presentation covering

topics from drivers for nature-based solutions, to interactions between land, surface, and groundwa ter systems, and water and soil conservation in the Edwards Plateau. The purpose of the EDTalks series is for EAA to share scientific knowledge about Edwards Aquifer with the public, partners and collaborators, and others interested in learning how to enhance and protect the aquifer. Over 100 people attended EDTalks this year, ranging from members of the public, college students, researchers, policy mak ers, and groundwater conservation districts. EDTalks provided an opportunity for attendees to discover how they can use nature-based solutions to help

with their planning needs and learn more about the applications of sustainable land management strate gies to affect real change. Attendees were also able to earn up to 6 hours of CEU/PG credit for continu ing professional education requirements. This year, EDTalks also featured a new element called EDWalks, a walking tour of savanna resto ration at Phil Hardberger Park led by EAA’s Casey Cowan and Jewell Lee Cozort and the City of San Antonio’s Wendy Leonard and Cassidy Kempf . Although some welcome rain showers limited the use of the trails, the guides were available to share facts about the park and answer questions on the covered pavilion overlooking the site. The guides

were also able to introduce EDWalks participants to the native plant wildscape demonstration garden. The wildscape is part of the park’s savanna resto ration project and is full of native plants such as Walking Stick Cholla ( Opuntia imbricate ) and Texas Betony ( Stachys coccinea ) which attract wildlife like birds and pollinators and help restore the natural habitat. The EDWalks component allowed partici pants to see and visualize many of the same princi ples discussed during the event. To close out the day, SwRI sponsored a networking social hour, which encouraged attendees to expand their networks, cultivate collaborations in science, and interact with EAA representatives!

EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY (EAA) PARTNERED WITH SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SWRI) TO HOST THE SECOND EVER EDTALKS SEMINAR ON MARCH 28TH, 2025!

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GROUNDWATER PROTECTION & WELLS

By: Ann-Margaret Gonzalez Senior Public Affairs Lead

FOR AN ABANDONED WELL REMEDY and the plans WELL TOLD HISTORY

St. Timothy’s Catholic Church

However, sometimes these old wells remain, weathered, corroded, out of service, but homeowners might not know they exist until water comes up to the surface and begins seeping out. As in the case of an old well that is on a property that was donated to St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. This story of this well goes back about 110 years to when the well was in active oper ation pumping water into a large pond on a cattle ranch. For decades this well had been abandoned, but at times when levels within the aquifer were high the artesian well would flow. The owners at the time did receive some assistance to try to remedy the issue, but the issue persisted. Ultimately, the abandoned well needed to be located underground, as it had been buried under the front porch, and a permanent solution provided to fully resolve the issue on the property. In 2020, Letty Alvarado with St. Timothy’s Catholic Church began working with the EAA’s Ground water Protection Teamand the San Antonio Water Systems (SAWS) to identify solutions. Since then, Roger Andrade , EAA Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs, has been instrumental in providing the church with resources to help them understand what needs to be done in the case of their aban doned well. Abandoned wells pose a threat to the aquifer, and the three remedies that are typically communicated are bringing the well back into service, capping and plugging. A well is only brought back into service if it’s in good condition to do so, capping is a temporary solution, and plugging the well consists of filling the well space with cement and other materials. Plugging an abandoned well is a permanent solution that ensures it will no longer pose a threat to the aquifer. For St. Timothy’s abandoned well, plugging was identified as the most effective and safe solution for ensuring the well would no longer seep water and that nothing could potentially flow into it.

Roger, Letty, and Gabriel look at historical documents and photos of the abandoned well they are working to remedy.

monitor

Garbriel Gonzalez, Project Manager for the St. Timothy’s said, “WE KNOW

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING CLEAN WATER AND SAFE WATER IN THE AQUIFER, BECAUSE IT SERVES OUR COMMUNITY PLUS MANY OTHER COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE REGION.”

Hear from Roger Andrade and representatives of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church on the plans for resolving an abandoned well issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bywl0PqYHE

Map of the wells within the EAA jurisdiction.

This is the location of the well site back in 1954 when the well provided water for the cattle ranch pond (left), and the neighborhood surrounding the now abandoned well in 2025 (right).

An abandoned well with an old, deteriorated cap located on property owned by St. Timothy’s Catholic Church.

Wells are an important part of how permit ted municipalities, farmers, and homeowners extract water from the Edwards Aquifer within the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s jurisdic tion. Decades ago, when the area was boom ing with development, the demand for wells

soared, and started popping up across Texas. As time went on, land ownership changed hands, and what was once farmland in Bexar County turned into neighborhoods where the wells were no longer needed because access to municipal water became readily available.

Throughout the agency’s jurisdiction the EAA Groundwater Regulation Team maintains a database of approximately 17,400 Edwards Aquifer wells. The team updates well information as data becomes available, and issues new well con struction, well plugging and well capping permits. Identifying abandoned wells is another key aspect of their work, and in doing so they make attempts to assess the potential risks these wells pose to water quality. Most importantly this team provides guidance to property owners and their contractors to help with water

well issues, which encompasses working with consultants, engineers, environ mental firms, and other agencies to provide technical assistance. It is through the collaboration of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, the EAA, and SAWS that this once abandoned and forgotten well will be properly sealed, pro viding peace of mind to the owners and for the benefit of the Edwards Aquifer.

WHAT IS AN ABANDONED WELL? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OintJKEQ4JI

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WATER RESOURCES

PEPSICO’S INVESTMENT By: Ann-Margaret Gonzalez Senior Public Affairs Administrator MAKES WAVES IN GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION

This past March, Jay Hruby, Sustainability Senior Engineer, for PepsiCo Foods North America, visited the EAA Field Research Park and the EAA Education Outreach Center, situated on the

Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, to learn about how PepsiCo’s investment can help conserve water within the aquifer system. During her visit, she and Pepsico representatives had the opportunity to

preview the various land management practices being implemented and researched on the property.

Jay Hruby and Pepsico representatives received a presentation and tour of the EAA Field Research Park.

sustain

“Water stewardship has long been one of Pep siCo’s top priorities, and by working with the Edwards Aquifer Authority to support the Ground water Conservation Program, we aim to make a positive impact on the Edwards Aquifer and the communities that depend on it. This initiative strives not only to help conserve water for agri cultural practices but also to promote the health of local sensitive aquatic habitats and reduce

carbon emissions. During our visit to the Edwards Aquifer Authority research park, our team had the opportunity to hear directly from the farmers who received this grant, and it is powerful to see how projects like this work not only to preserve such a precious resource but can also provide socio-economic benefits to local communities.”

“The generous investment from PepsiCo not only helps to conserve our valuable resources, but it also helps to sustain the future use of the Edwards Aquifer for all that depend upon it – whether that use is agricultural, municipal, indus trial or environmental in nature. The Edwards Aquifer Authority is grateful to have PepsiCo as a partner in our continuing mission to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer.”

– Jay Hruby, Sustainability Senior Engineer, PepsiCo Foods North America

– Marc Friberg, Deputy General Manager, Edwards Aquifer Authority

Ernie Schirmer rides through the terrain of his farm as his new pivot system waters his crops.

Nathan Phillips of McFadin Farms demonstrates the use of his newly installed center pivot irrigation system.

Hear from the EAA Groundwater Conserva tion Grant recipients on how their new pivot irrigation systems have positively impacted their ability to water their crops efficiently:

Going into its 11th year of funding water saving irrigation practices for Edwards Aquifer permit holders, the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s (EAA) Groundwater Conservation Grant Program received a generous investment from PepsiCo. This contri bution gave four grant recipients the opportunity to upgrade less efficient irrigation methods with new water saving irrigation pivot systems. Each year, the irrigation projects funded by the grant program save at least 400 acre-feet of water a year. To put that into perspective, 1 acre-foot of water is equivalent to approximately 325,851 gallons of water!

In 2024, PepsiCo invested over $1.8 million to help launch four new watershed replenishment projects in high water-risk areas within the U.S. where the company operates. Projects are devel oped with local partners in California, Colorado and Texas connected to the watersheds where they operate. Replenishing water in high water risk areas is integral to PepsiCo’s broader pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) journey towards becoming Net Water Positive by 2030.

“Strip tillin’ is what we’re trying to go to, that was the benefit of getting this pivot over, you know, the flood irrigation. We’ve been, you know, shootin’ to try to do this for a while and without y’all’s help on the pivot there’s no way possible to pay for it.”

To learn more visit: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyhM whBT3CoxoqAYMSOAiG1RTQgx QW5Uq&si=d5v-H475Pjy378iv

– Ernie Schirmer, Corn and Cotton farmer in South-Central Texas

Jay toured the EAA Education Outreach Center, met staff, and made a cloud at the center’s cloud caster exhibit.

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EAHCP

By: EAHCP Staff

SOUND RESAning RESA RAMPS UP ITS SAN MARCOS RIVER PROTECTION OUTREACH PROGRAM

Read our Newsletter

With the students at Texas State being a primary audi ence for this messaging, it made complete sense for RESA to involve students in its membership and lead ership. Noah Powell, the current RESA student leader, is a master’s degree student in applied geography in natural resources and environmental studies. “I began attending the RESA meetings last sum mer, and I found that the faculty and staff wanted students to not only be the face of the organization but to lead it as well,” Powell noted. “So, when the previous student leader graduated, Dr. Lopez asked me to step into that position and I agreed. One of the most important things we do is collaborate with other organizations like the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of San Marcos, the EAHCP and many departments at Texas State. That type of group effort really does help us get a lot of work done toward RESA’s goals.” The EAHCP team was one of the first groups RESA approached to begin their work. Lopez explained that the signs regarding ecosystem protections in Sewell Park were outdated. Mark Enders , who is the EAHCP lead for the City of San Marcos, and Kristina Tolman , an EAHCP senior coordinator, worked with RESA in getting the signs designed and installed. The park educational signs are now in multiple languages and even some braille descriptions of the endangered spe cies are included.

As RESA has progressed in its activities and par ticipation, the group was recently rewarded with a Texas State Environmental Services grant of almost $20,000. The plan for those dollars is to accelerate information outreach work to include a student-de signed logo/brand, expanded social media presence and a “RESA awareness” campaign which will be featured throughout Texas State information monitors, possibly some buses and other types of pop-up sig nage opportunities. “While we are spending some time in developing our look and recruitment efforts, we haven’t overlooked those chances to plug into campus events,” Powell said. “For example, the Texas State River Fest event is coming up in April and we will have an educational presence there. This year we proactively contacted the organiz ers of River Fest and invited them to present at a RESA meeting. They explained what River Fest was going to look like this year and we discussed some ways to make the festival more river-friendly and sustainable. One tan gible result of that meeting was the development of a one-page information sheet about the river, springs and endangered species protections the festival organizers could use in their own festival promotions.” With a projected attendance of more than 5,000 peo ple, RESA volunteers will also be helping with litter clean up after the event. Additionally, this year the San Marcos River will be open to festival goers and RESA will assist in “roping off” with buoys some endangered

species habitat areas to prevent incursions into those environmentally sensitive locations along the river.

“In looking ahead, we definitely want to maintain and expand our opportunities with the EAHCP since it is one of the largest environmental pro grams happening in the Edwards Region, ” Lopez concluded. “The riparian restoration efforts are ongoing throughout the San Marcos watershed and RESA will be a great group to help provide volun teers for that type of hands-on work. And as RESA grows, our information efforts regarding the endan gered species and habitat protections will expand as well”. “With the San Marcos River being such a cen tral element of life in this city, the community is constantly looking at ways to balance ecosystem improvements with ensuring students, families and visitors can enjoy this beautiful river and surround ing natural areas. One of our biggest dreams is that RESA can emerge as a key facilitator in how we succeed at creating the best of both environmental and recreational worlds. We know there are many students who are passionate about the San Mar cos River. And we think RESA can be that vehicle to help them channel those desires in productive ways. While we took our time in getting this orga nization off the ground, I feel we are now very well positioned to make some giant strides in the very near future.”

policies and practices already in place at Texas State University,” Lopez noted. “For exam ple, Texas State University is a permittee in the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP). The EAHCP is a very-well operated program carefully monitoring and researching the water quality and endangered species in and around the Headwaters location. During the summer months, there can be intense recre ation there, so one of the more important items on RESA’s to-do list will be informing the public how they can help preserve the environmentally sensitive nature of the location.” The endangered Texas wild-rice plant, foun tain darters and San Marcos salamanders are all found in this San Marcos River location on East Sessom Drive across the street from the Free man Aquatic Biology Center. People enjoying the river there can trample riparian plants which then can cause bank erosion and lead to harm of endangered species habitats.

“RESA exists!” said Dr. Christina Lopez with a bit of a wry grin. “We see this new group playing a sig nificant role in bringing various stakeholders of the San Marcos River together to protect this natural resource for the community over many years. But for now, we just need to get the word out that we are officially in business and hard at work.” RESA is the River Education and Stewardship Alliance organization from Texas State Univer sity that was formed in September of 2023. Their vision is to be a source of education, outreach, and resources to support a healthy and resilient San Marcos springs, river, and watershed that is respected by Texas State University students, staff, faculty, and visitors. RESA is the River Education and Stewardship Alliance organization from Texas State Univer sity that was formed in September of 2023. Their vision is to be a source of education, outreach, Message received. Message sent.

and resources to support a healthy and resilient San Marcos springs, river, and watershed that is respected by Texas State University students, staff, faculty, and visitors. Lopez explained the startup of the organization happened as questions arose regarding a lack of attention being paid to the environmentally sensitive area in upper Sewell Park known as the Headwaters. People began to wonder why this environmentally sensitive area was not receiving the same mainte nance scrutiny as Sewell Park across the nearby bridge. It didn’t take too many conversations with responsible parties until a group began to coalesce and monthly meetings began. The group then looked at the apparent absence of university policies and general knowledge about the Headwaters area as an opportunity to create a platform which would fill that public information gap at Texas State and other San Marcos communities.

Learn more...

You can learn more about RESA at: https://www.meadowscenter.txst.edu/ research/water-conservation/resa.html.

“We do need to be clear that RESA is not an advocacy group. We are here to share the

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EDUCATING YOUNG MINDS THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER RESOURCES

SUMMERTIME AT THE EOC: A Gift for Your Garden In addition to the exciting programs and exhibits at the center, we are thrilled to offer something special to our visitors. This summer, anyone who visits the Edwards Aquifer Education Outreach Center will receive a free wild seed packet to plant in their own garden. These seeds are a wonderful way to bring the beauty of local, native plants to your home while helping to support local wildlife and biodiversity.

Texas heat with your family and friends. And with the added bonus of a wild seed packet to plant, it’s an opportunity to bring a piece of the EOC’s natu ral beauty right into your own backyard. We invite you to visit us soon and discover how small actions, like planting native plants, can help nurture our environment for generations to come. The Edwards Aquifer Education Outreach Center is here to inspire, educate, and engage the entire community in preserving the water resources that make our region so special.

By: EAA EOC Staff

THE EOC REACHES NEW HEIGHTS in Aquifer Education

Whether you’re looking to learn more about the Edwards Aquifer or explore our educational exhibits, the EOC is the perfect place to keep cool from the

create new QR code

We invite you to visit us soon and discover how small actions, like planting native plants, can help nurture our environment for generations to come. The EOC is here to inspire, educate, and engage the entire community in preserving the groundwa ter resource that makes our region so special.

For best possible outcome of your seeds sprouting, be sure to plant your seeds between August and November.

The 2024-2025 school year has been a bustling one at the Edwards Aqui fer Education Outreach Center (EAA EOC). Throughout the year, the center hosted countless students from schools across the region, engaging them in hands-on learning experiences about the Edwards Aquifer, local ecosystems, and environmental stewardship. From interactive presentations to exciting scavenger hunts and art activities, the EOC has played a key role in educat ing young minds about the vital importance of our natural water resources. With thousands of students visiting the center this school year, it’s safe to say that the EOC has been at the heart of environmental education for schools across South-Central Texas. From toddlers to senior citizens, students of all ages have explored the aquifer’s mysteries, hiked along scenic trails, and participated in aquifer art projects that highlight the

significance of preserving our environment. The EOC has become a vital hub for fostering a connection between students and the land that sus tains our communities. “Nobody leaves the EOC empty handed,” says Sarah Valdez, Senior STEAM Outreach Educator. That was certainly true for the thousands of schoolchil dren who visited the EOC throughout the school year. Students received endangered species stickers, EAA pencils or notebooks. Most importantly, they left with a deeper appreciation of the Edwards Aquifer and the world around them. Now that school is out for the summer, the EOC continues to serve as a valuable learning destination for families throughout the I-35 Corridor and beyond.

Visit us and leave your review at:

If you’re interested in becoming part of the EOC Volunteer Team, visit our website at eaaeoc.org under the “Donate” tab to learn more. We would love to have you join us!

Read our blog.

Join in!

The Edwards Aquifer Authority Education Outreach Center is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Admission is free. Go to eaaeoc.org to schedule your visit.

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THE EAA ENSURES THE FUTURE OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

By: Nikki Young EAA Senior Community Engagement Administrator

EAA’S ONGOING IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY Committing to Earth Day, Every Day! t FROM POLICY TO PLANTING:

EDUCATING LEADERS EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES EAA’s commitment to Earth Day extends beyond April 22nd — it’s embedded in the ongoing work of the organization. The March 20th EAA Informational Session for Public Office Candidates provided a basic understanding of the EAA’s mission, equipping them to advocate for water conservation and sustainability in their future roles. “Water is a universal, nonpartisan issue,” said Mike De La Garza, Executive Director for Commu nications & Outreach. “We offer potential community leaders the benefit of our resources and expertise, as they govern within their own communi ties. That is the mutually beneficial relationship we desire to have.”

GROWING CONSERVATION EFFORTS – TAKING THE GIVE AWAY ON THE ROAD Building on the success of the Fall 2024 EAA Plant Giveaway, the EAA is taking the Texas Native Plants Giveaway on the road with its “Rooted in Texas” campaign. The May 9th Lytle event will provide free native plants to residents, encouraging them to implement water-wise landscaping. This initiative is not only in line with Earth Day principles but also emphasizes long-term sus tainability and aquifer health.

EAA informs community leaders and empowers resi dents to play their part in protecting our region’s most vital resource. Additionally, the planned launch of “Aquifer In-Sight,” a new YouTube news magazine program, will further expand the reach of the EAA’s conservation message.

In the spirit of Earth Day, the Edwards Aquifer Authority endeavors to drive impactful conservation efforts, focusing on education, sustainability, and community engagement. Through initiatives such as the EAA Info Session for Public Office Can didates, the EdTalks Series, and the upcoming Texas Native Plants Giveaway in Lytle, Texas, the

INTRODUCING AQUIFER IN-SIGHT – EXPANDING THE REACH OF CONSERVATION NEWS To complement the NewsDrop and Podcast publica tions and programs, the EAA is launching “Aquifer In-Sight”- a YouTube news magazine program that serves as the newest addition to the agency’s out reach efforts. “Education is at the heart of everything we do,” said Ann-Margaret Gonzalez, Senior Public Affairs Lead co-host of the show. “With ‘Aquifer

In-Sight,’ we’re bringing the stories of our agen cy’s initiatives to life by creating a new visu ally appealing avenue to connect people to the importance of protecting our groundwater resource in an engaging and viewable way.” This new YouTube series is designed to help indi viduals of all ages understand the vital role water conservation plays in preserving the Edwards Aquifer and maintaining a sustainable future for all. Be on the lookout for its debut soon!

A FUTURE ROOTED IN CONSERVATION

Through Earth Day initiatives and year-round educational programs, the Edwards Aquifer Authority continues to ensure the future of our natural resources. From policy discussions to plant giveaways , the EAA’s efforts support both immediate action and long-term change. In short, the EAA is planting the seeds for a more sustain able future, rooted in education and action.

The EAA reaffirms its commitment to the health of the Edwards Aquifer and the commu nities depending on it. These ongoing initiatives demonstrate that conservation is not just a one-day event—it’s a committed way of life – to be lived every day.

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Charge up your knowledge on all things Edwards Aquifer from the EAA. TUNE IN

The Recharge Zone Podcast is the official podcast for the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), a groundwater district, which protects the portion of the Balcones Fault Zone Edwards Aquifer – a jurisdictional area that provides water to over 2.5 million South Central Texans and covers more than 8,000 square miles across 8 counties! Our podcast made its debut in April of 2020 and is going strong on its 6th season.

Roland Ruiz EAA General Manager

ANNIVERSARY EDITION

You can listen to this podcast everywhere podcasts are available.

Visit our website to listen to the newest episode: https://www.edwardsaquifer.org/news/

BOUT US A

The mission of the EAA is to Manage, Enhance, and Protect the Edwards Aquifer. The Edwards Aquifer Authority is a regional water management agency that regulates with integrity, transparency, respect, and commitment to sustainability of the aquifer. NewsDrop is a production of the EAA Communications and Development Department with helpful assistance from EAA Staff.

Edwards Aquifer Authority 900 E Quincy St • San Antonio, TX, 78215 www.edwardsaquifer.org

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