NewsDrop-Aug_Sept-2025

ISSUE 4 - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

AQUIFER UPDATE

AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES AQUIFER ALLIES: Texas University Collaborations and the Mission of the EAA.

EAA GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE THROUGH SCIENCE, EDUCATION, REGULATION, & CONSERVATION: We are to effectively manage,

EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS PROTECTING THE RECHARGE ZONE

Ensuring Tertiary Containment for Underground Storage Tanks.

enhance and protect the Edwards Aquifer.

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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.

EAC OUTREACH A LEGACY IN BLOOM Planting the Seeds of Conservation for the Next Generation.

EAHCP PEAKING AT THE RIGHT TIME New Braunfels treasuring both river recreation and endangered species protection.

EAA EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER PUTTING THE S.T.E.A.M. INTO EDUCATION Education is in Session.

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: EAA EOC Visitors enjoy the center’s newest exhibit; the interactive augmented reality Topobox .

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GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Roland Ruiz General Manager

YEARS AGO, WE AT THE EAA IDENTIFIED COLLABORATION AS ONE OF THE CORE VALUES OF OUR ORGANIZATION.

IN OTHER WORDS,WE AGREED THAT COLLABORATION WAS SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO OUR SUCCESS & SOMETHING WE SHOULD ASPIRE TO.

BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN IN PRACTICAL TERMS TO WHAT WE DO DAY BY DAY?

More than just a feel-good word, collaboration for us means an intentional approach to carrying out our mission by inviting and including people as partners in our work. This includes our employees, our permit holders, businesses, educators and the diverse communities across our region who share a common interest in the long term sustainability of the Edwards Aquifer.

You see highlights of this collaboration in action throughout this edition of the News Drop. This includes: our work to educate users of the aquifer on how they can best conserve and protect the resource; our cooperation with partners in the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan so that the aquifer’s two major spring systems remain capable of sustaining threatened and endangered species habitats as required by federal law; and working together with businesses on the recharge zone to maintain appropriate standards to safeguard the aquifer from contamination. And these are just a few examples.

The lesson we’ve learned about carrying out our mission into the future is this: the more the merrier. The more people we can engage – through science, education, regulation, conservation and, ultimately, participation – the more likely we are to effectively manage, enhance and protect the Edwards Aquifer.

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AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES

By: Paulina Quinonez Aquifer Science Intern

TEXAS UNIVERSITY COLLABORATIONS AND THE MISSION OF THE EAA AQUIFER ALLIES:

The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) and its growing partnerships with Texas universities are helping to advance aquifer science research and protect one of our most valuable natural resources: water. Collaborations with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA) have fueled cutting-edge research of the Edwards Aquifer and strengthened partnerships and collaborations within the community. Universities like UTSA and TAMUSA offer a wide range of academic disciplines, including Environmental Science, Geology, and Water Resources Science and Technology. Both undergraduate and graduate students studying these disci plines are eager to engage in environmental research. “This provides the EAA with a unique opportunity to support University research on the aquifer with a field of study that we may never tap into otherwise,” states Jessica Quintanilla, EAA Aquifer Science Research Supervisor.

Currently, the EAA is collaborating on a vast array of research projects, each focusing on a different aspect of aquifer science and natural resource management: • Sr. Geoscientist Gizelle Luevano is teamed up with Professors Walter Den and Pride Abongwa and graduate students from TAMUSA looking at how urbanization might impact the water quality of an aquifer by testing rivers, springs and wells across the Edwards Aquifer region. • Jessica Quintanilla has partnered with Dr. Allision Veach at UTSA and master’s student Abby Doderer to look at microbial DNA analysis of groundwater to understand the variation of microbial characteristics of different aquifer sources.

Today’s students are tomorrow’s water scientists, policy makers, and environmental stewards. “When students are involved early and interested in these topics, it gives me hope they will be future leaders in water conservation and continue the work we do at the EAA with their peers and the scientific community” , says Cozort. Understanding water quality trends, the effect of land management practices on soils, and hydrologic behavior throughout the Edwards Aquifer region helps us make smarter decisions about water use, conservation, and habitat protection. The EAA and university collaborations together are powerful tools for conservation. Together, we are making great strides in advancing aquifer science research to help manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer.

• Senior Aquifer Environmental Scientist Jewell Cozort is working with PhD Student Pierce Lynch and Dr. Allison Veach to research how land management strategies such as berms and swales affect the microbial community in soil. • Principal Geoscientist Rebecca Nunu is working with Dr. Yongli Gao and PhD. student Zach Weathers at UTSA to investigate trace elements and radiogenic isotopes to explore connections between the Edwards and Trinity aquifers.

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EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

By: Kyle Craig Recharge Zone Regulations Manager

As the name implies, these tanks are unseen most of the time because they are located underground where an undetected leak of a hazardous material could occur. The preservation of the aquifer is a fundamental part of the agency’s mission, and protecting against leaks from USTs helps to ensure the quality of water within the aquifer is not negatively impacted. EAA UST CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS In 2002, The EAA established UST rules requiring triple protection, whereas most UST systems across the nation only require mandatory secondary containment. These EAA UST rules require any UST on the Recharge Zone installed prior to October 18, 2002, must upgrade to tertiary containment or be drained and removed from service within 30 years of installation. Tertiary containment is an additional wall or barrier installed outside of a form of secondary containment and is designed to prevent the release of contents of the UST from migrating beyond the third wall before the release can be detected. As a UST system approaches its 30-year installation date, the old system is removed from the ground and disposed of at an approved landfill. If the owner chooses to install a new UST system, they must first submit an Application for Major Modification (AMM) and be approved by the EAA General Manager. The AMM and the technical documents provided prove how the new UST system will be tertiary contained. Once the AMM has been approved, the new UST system can be installed. THERE ARE OVER 350 LOCATIONS in the Recharge Zone and Contributing Zone that store chemicals and several of the facilities have Underground Storage Tanks (USTs).

PROTECTING THE RECHARGE ZONE

EAA Recharge Zone Regulation team members: Walker, Hunter, and Kyle (left to right)

ENSURING TERTIARY CONTAINMENT FOR UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS

A tank hold is a large hole where the USTs will be located underground at the fueling station. Once the tank hold has been dug to the proper depth, a professional geologist must certify that no sensitive features have been encountered during excavation. If a karst feature is encountered, then an Encountered Feature Plan must be submitted to the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) showing how the feature will be remediated to prevent infiltration into the aquifer. THE NEXT PHASE OF INSTALLING A NEW UST IS TO DIG A NEW TANK HOLD.

The EAA’s Recharge Zone Protection Team (RZP) focuses on protecting groundwater from pollution, therefore pre serving the quality of water within the Edwards Aquifer for millions of people throughout the agency’s jurisdic tion. The Recharge Zone is the middle zone of the aquifer system and susceptible to contamination, because this is where Edwards Limestone is exposed at the surface.

Edwards Limestone in the Recharge Zone.

A tank hold being constructed

Old tanks being removed from a site

During this phase, Recharge Zone Protection staff conduct several inspections throughout the installation to verify several technical aspects of the UST system, such as the make and model of the product, installation of brine solution, testing tank pressure, installation, and function of various sensors. When the installation is completed, a storage tank registration form will be submitted, and the facility may begin filling their UST with product. AFTER THE TANK HOLD IS COMPLETED AND HAS BEEN CERTIFIED, THE UST SYSTEM CAN BE INSTALLED.

New tank installation

A site completing their new tertiary tank installation for their gas station.

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EDWARDS AQUIFER HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (EAHCP)

By: EAHCP

PEAKING AT THE RIGHT TIME NEW BRAUNFELS TREASURING BOTH RIVER RECREATION AND ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION

The selected plants were drought and deer tolerant as well as the types that would be found in a native riparian environment. Traditional landscape design techniques were mostly used with the buffer instal lation, but there were stone-styled gaps created so visitors could get close to the water but with little to no impact on the quality of the water. “Controlling access to the Comal River where water recreation takes place is also a water quality strategy the City of New Braunfels uses,” Niles commented. “At Hinman Island Park, we maintain a primary river entry point, and 70 percent of annual visitors will enter the river there. Some of the 12 Comal River tub ing outfitters upstream of the City’s access point also have sanctioned places for tubers to hop in the river.” “In addition to funneling visitors into limited access points to keep vegetation along the river banks grow ing and filtering runoff, we also limit items people can bring to the river to prevent litter pollution. There are City employees around river entry points and the Tube Chute to help educate users about the disposable con tainer ban, preventing litter from entering the Comal River in the first place. The City of New Braunfels also has a strong focus on water safety by providing life jackets that are free for the public to use.” One key element to the overall success at balancing recreational and environmental needs that both Niles and Quast emphasized was “collaboration.” Partners such as Texas Parks and Wildlife, Edwards Aquifer

Authority, Texas State University in San Marcos, City of San Marcos, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, New Braunfels Utilities and some private companies like the popular water park, Schlitterbahn, and local river outfitters were all acknowledged as critical to the overall success of helping the City of New Braunfels meet their recreation management goals. “The City of New Braunfels is very proud and pro tective of Landa Lake, Landa Park and our river recreation areas and so we’re keenly focused on keeping that spring water clean after it flows from the Edwards Aquifer and into the lake and then down stream in the Comal River,” Niles concluded. “We love having visitors in New Braunfels and our city thrives on tourism. But, we are equally invested in protecting our natural resources and making sure they are enjoyed in decades to come.” Recreation on the Comal River Done Well Here are some simple tips for enjoying the Comal River and protecting that unique natural resource at the same time. River Outfitters typically have on-site parking at no charge AND they provide shuttle service to and from the river. Contact the outfitter of your choice for more information. Residents of New Braunfels are eligible for a free Resident River Parking Permit, among other resident-only benefits. https://newbraunfels.gov/river

The City of New Braunfels is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas and is well-known for its unique blend of historical culture and scenic river recreation along the Comal and Guadalupe rivers.

• No Disposable Containers: This includes plastic bottles, aluminum cans, zip-top bags, glass bottles, Styrofoam cups or coolers, cardboard boxes, food wrappers, etc. • No littering • No volume drinking devices • No containers under 5 fluid ounces (including containers for Jello shots) • Noise devices (radios, boom boxes, speakers, etc.) may not be audible beyond 50 feet • No jumping from bridges or overpasses • Only 1 cooler per person • Coolers can be no bigger than 30 quarts and must have a locking or latch mechanism • Limit of two tubes per person • Tubes or other flotation devices cannot exceed 5 feet (60 inches) in length, width, or diameter; most double tubes are over 5 feet and are not allowed • Canoes and kayaks cannot be over 18 feet (216 inches) in length and may not use the Last Tubers Exit on weekends and holidays

work is in Landa Park which is where the Comal Springs are, and recreation happens about a half mile downstream.” “City ordinances that provide for controlled access to Landa Lake, the spring runs, and the Old Channel of the Comal River are perhaps the best means we have of protecting the endangered spe cies and their habitats,” said Phillip Quast, the City of New Braunfels Watershed Supervisor and Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Program (EAHCP) lead for the City. “Keeping swimmers out of Landa Lake prevents people from trampling the lake bottom where prime endangered species habitat is located. Prohibiting contact recreation in the lake helps to prevent water quality pollution and protects the endangered species.” Quast also described a major effort by the City and EAHCP team to manage the riparian areas around the lake and upper portions of the Comal River. Over the past decade, the majority of non-native vege tation has been removed and replaced with native vegetation. Wildlife that lives on the land and in the water benefit from the removal of the invasive species. The invasive plant species that have been removed tend to displace the native species and over

In fact, the Comal River is so popular, it has the highest density of tubing in the state with hundreds of thousands of visitors enjoying the two-mile stretch of that spring-fed waterway each year. While that definitely adds a win in the tourism column, it could be seen as a major challenge to environmental pro tection efforts with numerous endangered species making their home there. However, New Braunfels embraces both and has developed a river and park management system to strike a nice balance for the fun-loving human species and the endangered aquatic species living in the springs and river. “There are two rivers here in New Braunfels, the Comal River and the Guadalupe River. When we talk about endangered species protections and other environmental matters, we’re mainly focused on the Comal,” said Amy Niles , River and Watershed Man ager for the City of New Braunfels. “In a way, we are fortunate to be able to separate our endangered species protection efforts to restrictions for Landa Lake which is fed by more than 400 Edwards Aquifer spring openings there. Swimming in the lake is pro hibited and only a few paddle boats are allowed on the lake. Tubing and swimming type recreation hap pens along the Comal River outside of Landa Park. So, the majority of our environmental protection

utilize the resources the endangered species rely on. This program has successfully progressed to a point of what Quast termed a monthly maintenance type of task. “One other major success story people need to be aware of is the work to limit foot traffic near Spring Run Three in Landa Park and an effort to make the parking lots around Landa Park more environmen tally friendly,” Quast noted. “In the past, parking lots near Landa would essentially carry unfiltered storm water runoff into the lake and river. So, over the past several years, the EAHCP has been collaborating with the City to install natural and man made type filter ing and drainage systems for those lots. And those upgrades have been a critical component in allowing us to keep harmful chemicals and other contami nants out of Landa Lake and the Comal River.” Quast also described an EAHCP-funded project in Landa Park designed to not only keep visitors from trampling the vegetation near Spring Run Three, but to enhance the beauty in the park as well. The proj ect consisted of creating a 430-foot long and five- to 10-foot wide buffer along the banks of Spring Run Three. Overall, 572 plants consisting of 11 variet ies were installed on the visitor side of the stream.

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EAA EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER

By: EAA EOC Staff

PUTTING THE S.T.E.A.M. into Education!

INTRODUCING OUR TOPOBOX - AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE. . . Our newest exhibit here at the EOC now includes a fully interactive augmented reality Topobox , an educational tool like no other. An eco-friendly corn cob media mix fills in the box to allow users to manipulate and build landforms to their hearts content. Throughout the summer, it has been a magnet for little, tiny hands to make mountains and valleys here and there. Without even realizing it, our tiny visitors have been learning through play, about the topographic features that dot the Texas landscape in the region. Small and big minds alike have used their imagi nation to build their own watersheds and with a wave of a hand, make it rain on their newly formed landscape. The space around the Topobox has become a place where discussion about how earth’s natural wonders are formed by weathering, erosion, and deposition. Through discussions

with our staff, learners hear about how wind and water are the major driving forces that shape the land around us. With the Topobox users can see how precipitation like rain may move through a watershed, a perfect visual that shows why a river or even an aquifer may or may not receive precipitation in the right places to feel the “recharge effect” of those rains. The Topobox is a versatile tool that will lend itself to many lessons for all grade levels for years to come. We invite you to come visit us and fully explore what a bit of corn cob and imagination can do.

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!

Join in!

Visit us and leave your review at:

Read our blog.

While most people were having their summer fun and preparing for back-to-school shopping deals on clothes and school supplies; the staff at the EOC have been quietly planning and preparing for the 2025-2026 school year in their own way. Back to school preparation looks a little different for us here at the EOC. We are taking stock of consumable items we use in activities, incorporating new presentations and lessons focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM).

We have also welcomed new exhibits and sensory bins. EOC staff have been working diligently on updating lessons to stay in line with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the statewide standards mandated by the Texas Education Agency. By doing so, we maintain a level of consistency and quality that benefits all our stu dents, teachers and visitors alike. We have held teacher workshops, trained our vol unteers and staff in our new activities, and welcomed many visitors over the summer looking to explore and learn all things Edwards Aquifer.

Education Outreach Center Summer Hours: The EAA EOC is open Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 5 PM. Admission is free.

Book your school field trip, group tour, or self-guided visit today at: eaaeoc.org

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EAC OUTREACH

By: Nikki Young EAA Senior Community Engagement Administrator

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A Legacy in Bloom PLANTING THE SEEDS OF CONSERVATION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

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In Her Own Words A CONVERSATION WITH DR. LINDA WELSH REFLECTIONS ON CONSERVATION, COMMITMENT, AND HONORING A LIFE OF SERVICE

Dr. Linda Welsh recently made a legacy gift to the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (EAC) in memory of her husband, James Allen Welsh, who passed away on April 12, 2025, at the age of 70. Born and raised in Loves Park, Illinois, Mr. Welsh led a remarkable life filled with curiosity, advocacy, and adventure — from cross-continental road trips to two decades of service with the City of Austin’s Engineering Services Department. He was especially proud of his work on Barton Springs Road and his long-standing dedication to pro tecting the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. A self-taught engineer, environmental advocate, inventor, and family man, Mr. Welsh left behind not only a legacy of service — but also a legacy of love. In the conversation below, Dr. Welsh shares why honoring his memory through this gift was a natural extension of the life they built together. NY: Your family’s legacy gift in honor of your hus band, James Allen Welsh, is deeply appreciated. What moved you to support the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy in this way? LW: Jim and I moved to Austin in 1978 after nine months of travel through Central and South Amer ica. Our education and travel both informed our belief in the importance of protecting the Earth and its natural resources, especially life-giving water. We were a part of the environmental fight to save Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone in the ’80s and ’90s. We had a strong belief in the importance of protecting these areas that were so vulnerable to unchecked development. t

LW: Together we can make a difference through gifts of our time, treasure, and talent. Over the years, our family has benefited from opportuni ties that enabled us to integrate philanthropy into our lives and the causes we cherish. Our natural resources are the foundation for life on Earth. What better way to give back to that which has allowed a wonderful life. NY: This gift continues the work you and Mr. Welsh shared during your life together. If he could see the lives touched by it—whether through scientific research conducted at our Field Research Park, hands-on learning at our Education Outreach Cen ter, or community outreach like our Texas Native Plants Giveaway—what do you think he would hope people carry forward? LW: Mr. Welsh was a scientist at heart. His favorite magazine was Science News ; it kept him informed on all the latest research across a wide range of topics. Through his work at the City of Austin in the Engineering Design Department, he addressed concerns related to water and wastewater through out his career. He had great belief in the power of research and education to change the trajectory of our future. He would be thrilled at how this con tribution in his memory added to our knowledge and understanding about how to best protect our natural resources. The Edwards Aquifer was special to him and he would be proud to know that the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy is helping carry that mission forward.

NY: When you think about the word “legacy” in the context of protecting the environment, what does it mean to you personally? LW: Stewardship of the Earth is a responsibility of all of us. A legacy is a way to continue respon sible stewardship into the future for our children, grandchildren, and beyond—as well as for the rich diversity that comprises our ecosystem and all life. It is a promise to the future to share our gifts with those whose mission is to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Edwards Aquifer. NY: You and Mr. Welsh were advocates for the Edwards Aquifer as far back as the 1980s. How did that early activism shape your long-term com mitment to conservation? LW: We were young parents in the 1980s. The environmental activism of the ’70s and ’80s spoke to our concerns about the environmental threats our world faced in many arenas. We felt the need to do what we could to protect the planet for our children and future generations. Although we didn’t have financial resources at the time, we gave of our time and energy to educate the public and support a variety of conservation efforts in whatever way we could. NY: What would you say to others who are consider ing a similar legacy gift—especially those who care deeply about protecting natural resources like the Edwards Aquifer?

When Dr. Linda Welsh made the decision to include the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy in her late husband’s estate plans, she wasn’t simply writing a check — she was investing in a future still being written. The $10,000 legacy gift, made in memory of James Allen Welsh, is more than generous. It’s generational.

That’s the kind of legacy that inspires action. Legacy also takes root — quite literally — at the upcoming Rooted In Texas: Drive Thru Plant Pick-Up, happening this time on September 27th in celebration of National Public Lands Day. The festive drive-thru event at the EAA headquar ters will provide thousands of water-wise native plants to local residents for FREE, each chosen to thrive in Texas conditions while conserving resources. Educational materials and conservation tips will also be included — helping individuals make a meaningful impact right in their own backyard. “We want people to walk away with more than just a plant, we want them to walk away feeling empowered—knowing they’re part of something lasting.” — Gonzalez And that’s what legacy looks like. It’s the Welsh family’s generous contribution, helping fund the educational experiences of tomorrow’s environmental stewards. It’s a resident capturing a winning photo of a rain barrel or pollinator garden. It’s a parent planting a Texas native pollinator plant with their child, knowing it will return each spring — bringing color, life, and a connection to something bigger than themselves. Legacy isn’t only what we leave behind. It’s what we share, nurture, and grow—together.

At the Edwards Aquifer Authority, legacy doesn’t always take the form of an endow ment. Sometimes, it begins with a photograph — or even a plant.

This year, the EAA launched Rooted in Saving Water, a brand-new initiative that invites community members to document their personal conservation efforts through the lens of photography. The inaugural photo contest encourages individu als and families to creatively showcase how they save, protect, and honor our most precious natural resource. Selected photos will be featured in the 2026 calendar and showcased in future public displays — transforming everyday stewardship into a lasting tribute. “It’s a way to preserve not just water, but memory. Each image tells a story. Each story represents a commitment to something bigger than ourselves.” — Ann-Margaret Gonzalez, Public Affairs Lead

To learn more about the life of James Allen Welsh , please visit his obituary at austinnaturalfunerals.com . To learn more about how you can leave a legacy to protect the Edwards Aquifer for generations to come, please visit www.EAConservancy.org . s

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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.

Next month...

You can listen to this podcast everywhere podcasts are available.

Catch the Aquifer In-Sight Series on our YouTube channel.

view here: https://www.youtube.com/@EdwardsAquiferAuthorityEAA

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.

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

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

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