NewsDrop-August-2024

ISSUE 4 - AUGUST 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

AQUIFER UPDATE

EAHCP REUSE AT THE RIVER

AQUIFER SCIENCE WATER QUALITY MONITORING OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER Water quality monitoring serves as a critical tool for understanding the complex dynamics of the Edwards Aquifer.

EAA GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE IT’S EASY TO TAKE FOR GRANTED HOW GOOD THE QUALITY OF WATER FROM THE EDWARD AQUIFER IS

Can ban on the San Marcos River and the collection of data.

We have measured and proven the ability of our conservation programs...

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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.

FEATURE STORY AGRICULTURE OUT WEST A tour of the sunflower fields at McFadin Farms.

FINANCE AND ADMIN SERVICES THE INTERN EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER & EDWARDS AQUIFER CONSERVANCY

EAA OUTREACH FALL EVENTS: TEXAS NATIVE PLANTS TO GO! Edwards Aquifer Authority will host the Drive-Thru Plant Pick-Up Extravaganza.

EOC EDUCATING ALL ON WATER QUALITY

EAA has maintained internship programs that offer opportunities to students to work in areas that align with their fields of study.

Edwards Aquifer Authority has always been a leader in aquifer education.

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 collects water quality parameters (i.e., pH, conductivity, turbidity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen) by using a water quality sonde. Refer to page 6 to learn about how the EAA is monitoring the water quality.

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GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Roland Ruiz General Manager

WHEN OUR ATTENTION IS FOCUSED SO INTENTLY ON DROUGHT. IT’S EASY TO TAKE FOR GRANTED HOW GOOD THE QUALITY OF WATER FROM THE EDWARD AQUIFER IS

SUS·TAIN·A·BLE adjective OF,RELATING TO, OR BEING A METHOD OF HARVESTING OR USING A RESOURCE SO THAT THE RESOURCE IS NOT DEPLETED OR PERMANENTLY DAMAGED.

Rightly, the prolonged scarcity of rain coupled with searing temperatures that scorch our land raises concerns about having enough during dry times. But if we are to ensure that the Edwards Aquifer remains a truly sustainable water resource beyond drought, then we must pay attention to the condition of the quality of the water as much as the quantity. We have measured and proven the ability of our conservation programs to sustain aquifer and springflow levels sufficiently through droughts, thus preventing “depletion.” But what happens if the quality of the water, regardless of how much is available, becomes “permanently damaged?”

from its historic state of cleanliness. But now, in light of a rapidly growing population and uncertainties around an increasingly unpredictable climate, water quality as much as water quantity must be considered in our planning and conservation efforts. We must do this so that the Edwards Aquifer is assured of staying sustainable, i.e. “not depleted or permanently damaged.” This balance between quality and quantity is reflected in and upheld by our mission to manage, enhance and protect the Edwards Aquifer system. It is why we exist as an agency, why we regulate as we do, and why we endeavor to collaborate with as many people as possible. We want to ensure for gen erations to come that the Edwards Aquifer remains a sustainable, available, and reliable water resource for the benefit of all users and uses across our vast and diverse region.

The Merrian-Webster Online Dictionary

Planning for our water needs has always been predicated on the assumption that the water available from the Edwards Aquifer will remain unchanged

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AQUIFER SCIENCE | WATER QUALITY MONITORING

By: Gizelle Luevano EAA Senior Geoscientist

WATER QUALITY MONITORING of the Edwards Aquifer

The Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer is a prolific karst aquifer that and provides necessary habitat to several threatened and endangered species.

KSAT Explains with Myra Arthur and EAA’s Paul Bertetti , Senior Director for Aquifer Science Research & Modeling. https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/07/18/what-are-forever- chemicals-ksat-explains/

Water quality monitoring serves as a critical tool for understanding the complex dynamics of the Edwards Aquifer. Such monitoring enables the EAA to identify natural trends, delineate areas that may be (or have been) impacted by human activities, and evaluate the overall health of the aquifer. The EAA has a robust water quality monitoring program that aims to improve understanding of aquifer conditions and variability across the Edwards Aquifer region. EAA staff routinely collect water samples from wells, springs, and streams (Figures 1 and 2). Samples are analyzed for a wide range of constituents, including field parameters (i.e., pH, conduc tivity, turbidity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen) (Figure 3), major ions (e.g., calcium, magnesium), and isotopes. Collectively, these data can pro vide insight on the age of the water, recharge sources, and a refined under standing of how the system works. The EAA is tasked with managing, enhancing, and protecting the Edwards Aquifer. Our agency’s routine and robust water quality monitoring program allows us to proactively identify and address trends or potential threats,

ensuring the long-term health of our crucial water resources. Protecting water quality is a also a collective responsibility, and there are several ways you can contribute to the solution. You can prevent pollution by disposing of waste properly, and avoid pouring harmful substances down storm drains (as these can contaminate our water supply). Additionally, you can be mindful of fertil izer use; consider opting for organic alternatives and take measures to minimize runoff that could impact nearby water sources. Lastly, educate yourself and oth ers about water quality issues. You can help cultivate a shared commitment to preserving this vital resource by raising awareness within your community. At the EAA, we are devoted to ongoing monitoring and protection of the Edwards Aquifer. Our regular water quality monitoring practices allow us to proactively identify and address potential threats, ensuring the long-term health of our crucial water resources. This initiative requires active participa tion from professionals and community members alike. By working together, we can secure the Edwards Aquifer’s future for generations to come.

Figure 2. Senior Geoscientist Rob Esquilin calibrates a water quality sonde before deploy ing it into a monitoring well, in New Braunfels, Texas. Specific conductivity and water levels are recorded every 15 minutes and data are down loaded monthly by EAA staff.

Figure 3. Senior Geoscientist Gizelle Luevano uses a multi-parameter probe (i.e., water quality sonde) to take measurements of field parameters from Comal Spring Run 3, New Braunfels, Texas.

Figure 1. EAA staff collecting water samples from Blanco River in Wimberley, Texas.

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EAHCP | REUSE AT THE RIVER

By: EAHCP Staff

SOLO NO MO’ City of San Marcos PROHIBITS SINGLE USE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS on the San Marcos River

items to address those community health issues and Robert Hulseman’s father and employee of Dixie, Leo, ventured out on his own to start a com pany called Paper Container Manufacturing Company. That company ulti mately invented that plastic party sensation…the Solo cup. “The Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) specifically lists litter management as a funded habitat conservation measure,” Enders noted. “Because that provision is in the EAHCP, we are required to have a litter management program to ensure we are in compliance with the federal permit that protects endangered species. So, for the last 10 years we have hired contractors to remove litter from Spring Lake, the headwaters of the San Marcos River, all the way down to Stokes Park, which is the city park furthest south along the river. Additionally, the City has dedicated sig nificant staff and resources toward litter collection in City parks immediately

adjacent to the San Marcos River. However, with the rise in the use of reus able containers and improper disposal, it really made sense for local govern ments to prohibit the single use beverage containers and require reusable ones to reduce the impacts of litter.”

On December 29, 2016, Robert Leo Hulseman, the inventor of the “red solo cup” passed away at age 84. On February 20, 2024, the San Marcos City Council passed an ordinance to eliminate that iconic plas tic party stein and other single use beverage containers from being used on the San Marcos River. And while no one expects the new ordinance to put a dent in plastic cup profits, City and Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conser vation Plan (EAHCP) leaders are hoping the new restrictions greatly reduce the impacts of single-use trash on the environmentally sensitive San Marcos Springs and San Marcos River. “We know that people from all over the state come to San Marcos to enjoy the cool San Marcos Spring water on our hot summer days,” said Mark Enders, EAHCP Manager for the City of San Marcos. “And as our state grows, we expect our tourist count to increase as well. That means a likely increase in trash deposited in and around the river and we know

that litter can negatively impact the endangered species and their habi tats. So, it is up to city leaders to find a balance in welcoming visitors but also informing them about our collective duty to protect the environmental aspects of that ecosystem that is the heart and soul of San Marcos.” Enders explained that fish like the endangered fountain darter can some times ingest small paper and plastic pieces, also known as “micro trash,” which can ultimately cause them to die. Larger pieces of trash like cans, bottles and plastic bags can crowd out native plant habitats, such as the endangered Texas wild rice, and impact aquatic life. Modern society’s throw away culture actually had a meaningful beginning. Disposable cups became widely used in the 1930s to prevent communica ble disease spread by the practice of sharing water dippers and communal cups in public places. The Dixie Cup company began creating disposable

The two major city ordinance provisions included in the Reuse at the River program include:

• river patrons are permitted to use only reusable drink containers on the river, along the banks of the river and in designated areas within City Parks, also known as “No Zones,” and, • each person is permitted one cooler/ice chest of less than 30 quarts within the No Zones.

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EAHCP | REUSE AT THE RIVER

By: EAHCP Staff

Resources

For trivia buffs, you can read a lengthy story on the history of the Solo cup : https://slate.com/business/2011/10/red-solo-cup how-solos-disposable-drink-vessel-became-an american-party-staple.html

The Reuse at the River website can be found here: https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/4299/ Reuse-at-the-River

If you are interested in reading and/or downloading the new ordinance, scan the QR code:

NO ZONES & GO ZONES

“One of the things we are very interested in learning with this new ordinance is how much trash and litter will be reduced over time,” Enders said. “As mentioned, we’ve been collecting trash and data about that trash for more than 10 years as it is a program within the EAHCP. So, we’re really hoping that the new river and park guidelines will help reduce the amount of trash we have to pick up from within the river. That in turn could lead to helping us reallo cate those EAHCP dollars to other research and endangered species protection programs. And since the EAHCP staff and permittees are the middle of developing a new permit

In addition to the No Zones, the City established some Go Zones where single use cups and beverage containers are still allowed. Those Go Zones are designated areas where fixed picnic tables, away from river banks, are located and less prone to having trash blown into the river on windy days. Those established picnic areas also have more trash and recycling recepta cles to help people dispose of their litter properly. “There is a great map on the City’s web pages dedicated to this program that show exactly where the No Zones and Go Zones are,” Enders explained. “The map will give people some good general knowledge about the two zones’ locations. Once visitors get to the park and river entrances, they will also see some new signs that explain what is and is not allowed on the river and where those provisions apply. For the most part, there is a nice walkway that runs between river entrances and the park picnic areas.

Those walkways essentially provide a dividing line between Go Zones and No Zones. Many of the new signs have been placed near existing EAHCP signs that explain which endangered species thrive in these areas and why we’re protecting them. We understand that these new practices will take some time to become commonplace with visitors. For that reason, we don’t expect the park rangers will be writing many citations the first year of the new ordi nance. City park staff and the EAHCP Conservation Crew will be out in force this summer to inform people about the new regulations and explain why their cooperation is important.” As it is with most city ordinances, there are penalties for violating ordinance provisions. In this case, a fine for taking single use beverage containers to the San Marcos River could be as high as $500.

application for 2028, this could be good timing for some beneficial results from the new San Marcos ordinance to inform that federal permit renewal application.” Enders also noted that the City of New Braunfels has a similar and slightly more stringent ordinance in place, and the City of Martindale also prohibits single use containers as well.

View the EAHCP STEWARD NEWSLETTER :

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MCFADIN FARMS INC. SUNFLOWER FIELDS

By: Isabel Martinez EAA Senior Permit & Conservation Coordinator

AGRICULTURE OUT WEST

Travel along with us to the McFadin Farms Inc. sunflower fields as Isabel shares interesting facts about these vibrant flowers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv8XcNBby64

Asia as the crop was cultivated for their seed oil for consumption. In the late 1800s, sunflowers began to be commercially grown in the United States for their cooking oil and the production of oil-based products. During the flower’s global travels, different varieties of sunflowers were hybridized to provide a desired product. Sunflowers crops provide not only seeds for oil but also for snacks, for wildlife management, and flowers for ornamental purposes that can be purchased in florist shops. Sunflowers sowed in the Edwards Aquifer Authority region are mainly for

recreation and tourism purposes. Property owners in the western portion of our region often plant sunflowers in fields where individuals can hunt for doves in the fall. Dove hunting is a popu lar activity in Texas as it generates over $400 million dollars annually in the entire state. McFadin Farms in Uvalde, Texas, plants sunflowers in the Spring to support growing dove populations for dove hunters in the fall. An average of 2,000 hunters visit McFadin Farms each year as Uvalde offers ideal weather and habitat conditions, such as multiple water sources, good tree cover, and an abundance of food sources for a strong dove population.

Sunflowers are such a quintessential part of summer in Texas. You’ve likely driven by fields of sunflowers on summer road trips or snacked on sunflower seeds while watching your favorite sports teams. Aside from being one of the most recognizable flowers and providing a popular snack, sunflowers have long played an important role in civilization. Sunflowers are one of the oldest flowers in the world. It is a native plant to North America and was cultivated by Native Americans, who used practically every part of the plant. The sunflower

seeds were used as food, the plant oils were used for cooking and skincare, the flower petals were used for dyes to color textiles and paints, and the stalks were used as building materials. When Spanish explorers returned to Europe after exploring North America, the explorers brought sunflower plants to Europe back with them and the flower’s popularity exploded. They were popular at first for decoration purposes but then they learned about the additional benefits the plant can provide. At the start of the 19th cen tury, sunflowers became a major commodity in

SUNFLOWERS HAVE LONG PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN CIVILIZATION.

Follow up with Yanta Farms as they share more about their family-owned and managed agribusiness at https://youtu.be/Furj20eNzWo

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FINANCE & ADMIN SERVICES

THE INTERN

By: EAA EOC Education Outreach Staff

EXPERIENCE This summer has provided me with count less opportunities to learn new skills as well as refine ones already in my professional “tool box.” I have had the privilege of teaching members of our community and visitors from other parts of the globe about how the EAA manages, enhances, and protects the quality of the groundwater within the Edwards Aqui fer. Working at the EOC has been above all educationally enriching - from learning about land management practices utilizing native plants and grass to overcoming a fear of birds that has now grown into appreciation from afar. I will always be grateful to EAA for this internship and to the various staff members who have offered their mentorship, expertise, and kindness.

My EAA internship has been a transformative experience that is shaping my understanding of technology and environmental stewardship… and apply my academic knowledge in a prac tical setting, collaborate with dedicated IT professionals, and make a difference in my career. CURRENT EAA INTERN, PEDRO CARVALHO , IS IN OUR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TEAM AND STATES:

As a government agency, the EAA exists to serve the region and, through our mission and programs, we serve as a community partner. Our internship program is a partnership with the region we serve.

- ASHLEY AGUILAR, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PhD STUDENT AT UTSA

I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to intern here at the Edwards Aquifer Authority. This experience has strengthened my stewardship for this vital resource, that has sustained life in this region for thousands of years, and my awareness of the methods the EAA uses to manage, enhance and protect the aquifer.

FOR OVER A DECADE n ow, the EAA has maintained internship programs that offer opportunities to students to work in areas that align with their fields of study and for them to gain hands-on experience as they work along with EAA staff who have expert knowl edge in their areas of responsibility.

- NAYELI ESQUILIN, TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY BACHELOR’S OF SCIENCE IN JOURNALISM

In addition to our traditional internship program, the EAA is partnering with various colleges and universities under the Community Federal Work Study Program (CFWS). The CFWS provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with work that is related to the student’s course of study for them to learn new career-re lated skills. For the past several years, the EAA has placed work-study students with various departments in areas that align with their inter ests for them to gain hands-on experience work ing with our professional staff who can serve as mentors to these students.

The EAA partners with the City of San Antonio’s Ambassador Summer Internship Program and the Family Service Association of San Antonio. The Ambassador Summer Internship Program recruits talented college students from across the country who will be home in San Antonio for the sum mer. The Ambassador Program strategically con nects students with internship opportunities that align with their interests and areas of expertise to encourage students to consider San Antonio as a place to live and work after they graduate. Students are placed with governmental and non profit agencies, such as the EAA, in an effort to attract San Antonio’s graduating professionals to career opportunities within the local commu nity. We also host interns that are participating in

the Youth Summer Internship Program, hosted by Family Service Association of San Antonio. This program is for San Antonio youth ages 14-17 and seeks to place these interns in professional job settings to expose them to job environments they may not otherwise experience during their high school years. Our internships serve to enhance and build a pool of talent from which we can recruit. But even more our interns gain experience in professional settings, work side-by-side with professional scientists and administrators. But even more importantly, our interns gain a sense of confidence they take with them into the job market.

The EAA internship program provides a traditional college internship for students to gain hands-on experience working with our professional staff to expose students to potential careers in the science and regulatory fields. Therefore, as science informs our conservation, regulatory, and legislative initiatives, developing a stable pool of talent to draw from ensures the continuity of the EAA’s mission.

The internship programs that are offered at the EAA fall under the following categories: • EAA Internship Program 2 high school positions available only in the summer for specific high schools. • Community Federal Work-Study Program We currently have agreements with Alamo Community Colleges, Trinity University, and UTSA. • Family Service’s Youth Summer Internship Program (high school students) • City of San Antonio Ambassador Summer Internship Program

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EOC WATER QUALITY ACTIVITY

By: EAA EOC Education Outreach Staff

EOC’S NEWEST ACTIVITY to Educate All on Water Quality

Students use thermometers to measure the temperature of Edwards Aquifer water.

Visitors to the EOC can learn about water quality using a variety of instruments and measurements.

Students step up to test several cups of water.

Sarah Valdez demonstrates a simple pH Probe. Students use simple probes to test Water Quality.

All of our lessons are meant to be fun and engaging and are aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) set forth by the Texas Educa tion Agency. One of our most popular lessons has been Limestone Testing, in which students investigate a variety of rocks to distinguish which one is limestone. Students utilize the scientific method and measuring, observing, and writing skills when studying the various rocks they are presented with. The latest activity, the Edwards Aquifer Water Identification Lab, developed by EAA Education Staff with input from EAA Aquifer Science Staff, involves similar skills applied to water samples. In this newest lab, students visit ing the EAA Education Outreach Center (EOC) will be able to test different

liquids to determine which sample could be water from the Edwards Aqui fer. Students will measure and record the pH, temperature, conductivity, and other properties of liquids using simplified versions of water-quality equip ment that EAA staff use out in the field. In addition to the hands-on fun of conducting a science lab, school groups with older students will learn what the different types of measurements mean, what can cause measurements to differ, and why Edwards Aquifer Authority regularly monitors and records water-quality data for our regional springs and wells. Testing the quality of Edwards Aquifer water is essential to know the health of the aquifer and to help identify and trace contaminants in the Aqui fer system. Moreover, this activity will help students visiting the EOC discover

and create connections between what they learn and its relevance: why does water quality matter to them?

The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) has always been a leader in aquifer education. From visiting classrooms to hosting groups of students in a variety of venues, EAA Education Staff has developed lessons, games, and activities centered on a better understanding of this precious resource.

Most organisms on Earth—from humans, flora, and fauna worldwide, to the threatened and endangered species only found in the Edwards Aquifer— can only survive in or drink water within specific ranges of pH, conductiv ity, and other water quality measurements. August is Water Quality Month, making it the perfect time to create awareness that water quality is crucial year-round and globally. The EOC Edwards Aquifer Water Identification Lab is the perfect addition to help educate the next generation about this precious natural resource.

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FALL EVENTS | PLANTS TO GO!

By: Nikki Young EAA Senior Community Engagement Administrator

TEXAS NATIVE PLANTS PICK-UP EXTRAVAGANZA

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 TH while supplies last > DRIVE-THRU EVENT HOSTED BY EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY (EAA) 9 AM TO NOON AT ITS HEADQUARTERS -- 900 E QUINCY ST. > > >

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Sun Plants

Shade Plants

Gregg’s Mistflower

Zexmenia

Purple Coneflower

Lyre Leaf Sage

Cedar Sage

Turk’s Cap

SWAG BAGS FREE

Photos: LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER | wildflower.org

NATIVE PLANTS FREE

The Edwards Aquifer Authority’s free Drive-Thru Plant Pick-Up highlights community engagement and environmental stewardship, fostering sustain able practices across our region.

The EAA has planned extensive measures to ensure smooth traffic flow and an enjoyable experience. Additionally, the event will be promoted through social media, print, and digital ads, alongside features in this publication, our Recharge Zone podcast, and local media outlets.

Native plants are essential for our local ecosystems’ health and diversity. This event educates the community on native species and conservation efforts.

1,000 suited for shaded areas and 1,000 for sunny spots. Each vehicle will receive two Texas native plants and a swag bag filled with gardening tips and promotional items, all at no cost.

Sponsored by H-E-B, this free, drive-through event offers the community a chance to enhance their gardens with native plants while promoting sustainable practices.

For more information, visit EdwardsAquifer.org or follow us on our social media channels.

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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 people and covers more than 8,000 square miles across 8 counties!

Roland Ruiz EAA General Manager

ANNIVERSARY EDITION

NEXT PODCAST: On this episode, hosts Ann-Margaret and Brent catch up with Isabel Martinez, EAA Senior Permit & Conservation Coordinator , as she discusses the importance of agriculture out West and the EAA’s Groundwater Conservation Grant Program.

Visit our website to listen to the next podcast: https://www.edwardsaquifer.org/news-community/the-recharge-zone-podcast/

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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