NewsDrop-Dec-2024

ISSUE 6 - DECEMBER 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

AQUIFER UPDATE

EAA GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE THE PROOF IS IN THE DATA

AQUIFER SCIENCE OBSERVING LAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Scientists at the EAA are observing the effects of land management techniques on runoff within two small watersheds at the EAA Field Research Park (FRP).

EAA LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT Meet Larry Jackson Our new Executive Director for External & Regulatory Affairs.

FEATURE STORY AGRICULTURE OUT WEST Thank you to our agriculture producers. We enjoyed our visits and gained a better appreciation for our work at the EAA and for the livelihoods, traditions, and communities that depend on the Edwards Aquifer.

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.

It’s this robust monitoring and data collection system that enables a balanced approach to managing, enhancing, and protecting the Edwards Aquifer...

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

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EAHCP CONSERVATION MEASURES SUBCOMMITTEE GUIDES EAHCP PERMIT RENEWAL EFFORTS The Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) is renewing its Incidental Take Permit with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER& EDWARDS AQUIFER CONSERVANCY GIVING AN AQUIFER SIZED CHEER TO OUR VOLUNTEERS From retired schoolteachers and college students to environmental enthusiasts and community partners, volunteers come to the EOC from all walks of life have been instrumental in making our outreach programs possible.

EAA OUTREACH 2024: THE YEAR WHERE GREEN WAS MORE

Reflecting on a Year of Impactful Community Engagement. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, strong partnerships, and a community-driven spirit...

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: Castroville’s Old Fashion Christmas tree lighting on Houston Square.

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GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Roland Ruiz General Manager

WHEN IT COMES TO MANAGING, ENHANCING & PROTECTING THE EDWARDS AQUIFER, THE PROOF IS IN THE DATA.

Aquifer data are collected by the EAA in the form of water “levels” measured within two index wells – the J-17 in Bexar County and the J-27 in Uvalde County – and reported relative to mean sea level. The EAA, in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), also monitors, records and reports the rate of springflows in cubic feet per second (cfs) emanating from the Comal and San Marcos springs systems.

means more pressure pushing water up and out of the system resulting in higher measured aquifer levels and higher rates of springflows.

measures implemented by the EAA are correlated to these aquifer condition data points.

and conservation measures over time. This gives us confidence that our programs – regulatory and non-regulatory – can be measured and evaluated for effectiveness and, if necessary, modified to achieve desired conservation while maximizing the availability of water from the Edwards Aquifer. It’s this robust monitoring and data collection system that enables a balanced approach to managing, enhancing, and protecting the Edwards Aquifer to the benefit of all users.

A rich database of historic readings from monitoring wells and surface flow gauges undergirds a regulatory regime designed to ensure continuous min imum spring flows through a modeled repeat of the drought of record – the historic drought of the 1950s that resulted in the Comal Springs ceasing to flow for five months. Drought-induced regulatory curtailments in water avail able for pumping from the aquifer coupled with incentive-based conservation

Having such data on record and under continuous monitoring provides a sci entific rationale for managing aquifer use the way we do. These data provide a technical basis for imposing pumping reductions and for triggering other conservation measures during droughts such as we are currently experienc ing. They also serve as benchmarks to validate the effectiveness of drought

Collectively, these data points serve as the key indicators of the state of the aquifer in terms of water pressure in the system. More water in the system

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EAA LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

AQUIFER SCIENCE | PROJECT WEIR

By: Erica Martinez, Maddison F. Orquiz, & Sue Ellen Gibbs-Huerta

AT THE EAA FIELD RESEARCH PARK OBSERVING LAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

LARRY JACKSON MEET

Figure 1. Interns Maddison, Sue Ellen, and Erica (left to right) assist with weir construction at the FRP.

OUR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR EXTERNAL & REGULATORY AFFAIRS

Figure 2. Locations and respective areas of the two sub-watersheds for Project Weir on the western tract of the Field Research Park.

Scientists at the EAA are observing the effects of land management techniques on runoff within two small watersheds at the EAA Field Research Park (FRP), in a study known as Proj ect Weir. With this project, EAA scientists aim to observe potential changes in runoff dynam ics before and after applying nature-based solutions like brush and rock berms within the sub-watersheds. As with many of the FRP projects, data for Project Weir will be collected across multiple seasons and meteorological conditions. The development of land manage ment practices has the potential to slow and spread runoff, allowing additional time and “WEIR” EVALUATING LANDSCAPES

avenues for recharge to the aquifer. Runoff will be measured continuously by two weirs at the base of the sub-watersheds. Weirs are physical structures resembling small dams with a notch that can control water flow within a drainage or stream channel and are used to accurately measure streamflow. You may remember from your high school math classes that calculating the volume of a simple shape like a cube was much easier than finding the volume of an uneven shape with mixed dimensions. In the first case, sim ple geometry could be used to solve for a

volume, while the latter required calculus to find a solution. In hydrology, a weir capitalizes on this principle by channeling water through a basic shape (a rectangle or V-shaped notch) of known dimensions, making flow calcula tions simple and accurate. EAA scientists will use pressure sensors installed in the weir structures to track and monitor flow after rain events. They will com pare potential changes in the volume and duration of flow from similar storms before and after applying land management prac tices to the project area.

Who will lead a team managing the EAA’s permitting, conservation, and regulatory programs while providing support to the EAA in activities related to the federally approved Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan.

Growing up in the central Texas region, Larry enjoyed spending time with family in parks, floating down rivers, camping, hiking, and bik ing across the Texas Hill Country. These expe riences shaped his appreciation for nature and the environment and led him to become pas sionate about sustainability. He is thrilled to be a part of our agency, and passionate about preserving the Edwards Aquifer for genera tions to come.

communications, regulatory affairs, and water utility operations. Prior to joining the EAA, he worked as the Director of Customer Ser vice and Communications for The Texas Water Company. In this capacity, he was responsi ble for managing the customer contact cen ter and service operations; overseeing field service and new water service operations; leading internal and external communications, community outreach, and regulatory relations; and recruiting and training staff. In his ten ure at the Texas Water Company, he was also responsible for developing and implementing

strategic goals, improving software systems to enhance customer experience, and maintain ing public and media relations. His strong belief in providing service to the communities in our region, and his dedica tion to our mission bring a renewed sense of regulation through education to our External & Regulatory Affairs Department. Please join us in welcoming Larry Jackson to our agency, as we collectively work together to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer.

WHAT IS TO COME?

Currently, the weir structures are in the final phases of construction. Once completed, sci entists will begin gathering baseline data and will continue to monitor the watersheds with out any changes. After sufficient storm data

have been accumulated, researchers will add land management practices and monitor for any changes in runoff. This project, and oth ers like it, will allow the EAA to better under stand recharge mechanisms in karst aquifers

and assess the potential benefits of land man agement for recharge enhancement. There will be much to learn as we move further along with this project, but don’t worry, “weir” going to update you along the way!

Larry comes to the EAA with over 30 years of experience in customer service,

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A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR AGRICULTURE PRODUCERS

By: Isabel Martinez EAA Senior Permit & Conservation Coordinator

AGRICULTURE OUT WEST

We want to recognize and give a heartfelt thank you to the following individuals who helped make the inaugural “Agriculture Out West” series possible:

Working at the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) has taught me a great deal about the com munities that depend on the Edwards Aqui fer. Having lived most of my life in the San Antonio area, I grew up with an awareness that conserving the Edwards Aquifer was important. Little did I know that the Edwards Aquifer did a whole lot more besides provide the water I drank from my kitchen faucet. The Edwards Aquifer provides for over two mil lion people and serves as an important source of water for cities, towns, industries, and agri culture in South Central Texas. The mission of the EAA is to manage, enhance, and protect and this mission is accomplished through pro grams administered by the agency. One such

program is the Irrigation Efficiency Improve ment Program, which is the EAA’s water con servation grant program. Since the program’s inception in 2016, over $2.3 million dollars has been awarded to agriculture producers within the EAA jurisdiction. On several occa sions, the Texas Water Development Board’s Agricultural Water Conservation Grant Pro gram provided supplemental funding and in 2019, the program was awarded a Conservation & Reuse Award from the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association. The Irrigation Efficiency Improvement Program inspired the creation of the “Agriculture Out West” series featured in this year’s NewsDrop publications. While visiting with the permit

holders who received grant funding, I learned about their work in crop cultivation and saw the results of their labors – an abundance of fruits, vegetables, grasses and grains in their natural existence. Over the years, I realized I wanted to share these experiences. Throughout the year, EAA staff visited with var ious farmers to learn about the different crops that are grown within the EAA region. Crops are grown year-round in Medina and Uvalde counties therefore “Agriculture Out West” was able to feature how different crops are planted, grown, and harvested in every NewsDrop pub lication. This year’s features highlighted hay sprigging, cucumbers (grown for pickling), blooming sunflower fields, hay harvesting, and

cotton harvesting. Our visits also allowed us to learn about the career of an agriculture pro ducer. Producers would share stories about their upbringing, family history in farming, how irrigation technology has changed over the years and the importance of conserving the Edwards Aquifer for the future of our families and communities. We enjoyed our visits and gained a better appre ciation for our work at the EAA and for the livelihoods, traditions, and communities that depend on the Edwards Aquifer. The “Agricul ture Out West” series would not have been pos sible without the cooperation of the agriculture producers that allowed us to visit and watch all the hard work that goes into production.

Archie McFadin of McFadin Farms Nathan Phillips of McFadin Farms Anthony Sittre of Sittre Farms Cole Yanta of Yanta Hay Farms Edwin Yanta of Yanta Hay Farms Scott Yanta of Yanta Hay Farms

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EAHCP | PERMIT RENEWAL

By: Sarah Garcia EAHCP Intern

SAN MARCOS RIVER

Texas blind salamander

EAHCP PERMIT CONSERVATION MEASURES SUBCOMMITTEE GUIDES

RENEWAL EFFORTS

The Subcommittee consisted of Dr. Kimberly Meit zen from Texas State University, Mark Enders from the City of San Marcos, Phillip Quast from the City of New Braunfels, Linda Bevis from the San Anto nio Water System, Marc Friberg from the Edwards Aquifer Authority, Daniel Large from the Guada lupe-Blanco River Authority, and Kerim Jacaman, Melani Howard, Adam Yablonski, and Myron Hess,

who represented the EAHCP Stakeholder Commit tee. Over the course of nine meetings, the Sub committee collaboratively developed conservation measure recommendations, using over 12 years of relative experience and EAHCP expertise.

Report, which can be located at www.edwardsaqui fer.org/habitat-conservation-plan/. A special thank you to the EAHCP team and the Subcommittee for all their invaluable contributions, the success of the final report could not have been achieved with out their support.

The Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) is renewing its Incidental Take Permit with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As part of the process, existing HCP components will be reas sessed, new elements recommended, and potential modifications will be discussed.

The Conservation Measures Subcommittee, part of an Implementing Committee directive, was tasked with evaluating the current HCP conservation measures while preserving the plan’s core principles.

The Subcommittee’s hard work culminated in a comprehensive Conservation Measures Subcommittee

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REFLECTING ON OUR BIGGEST SUCCESS AT THE EOC

By: EAA EOC Staff

TO OUR VOLUNTEERS Giving an Aquifer Sized Cheer

Reflecting on our biggest success at the Edu cation Outreach Center this year, it’s clear that our volunteers have been at the heart of it all. From retired schoolteachers and college stu dents to environmental enthusiasts and commu nity partners, volunteers come to the EOC from all walks of life. The 43 dedicated individuals— from Texas Master Naturalists to members of the Native Plant Society of Texas and other organi zations — have been instrumental in making

our outreach programs possible. Their invaluable support has helped us with school group tours, community events like the Rooted in Texas giveaway, and the care and maintenance of our native garden. The dedication, passion, and hard work of our volunteers have been the driv ing force behind everything we’ve accomplished. We are incredibly grateful for their time and commitment, which have allowed us to fulfill our mission and make a lasting impact.

We couldn’t be prouder to work alongside such an amazing group, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for all they 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!

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!

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

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OUR COMMITMENT TO FORWARD-THINKING By: Nikki Young EAA Senior Community Engagement Administrator t 2024 In October, the Texas Native Plants Giveaway Extravaganza, REFLECTING ON A YEAR OF IMPACTFUL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. The Year Where Green Was More! sponsored by the H-E-B Tournament of Champions program, transformed the EAA parking lot into a drive-through experience that celebrated conservation. Volunteers handed out thousands of native plants, helping area residents cultivate their own green spaces and play a part in environmental restoration. It was a tan gible reminder that even small acts can lead to big changes for the planet.

The Second Annual EAA Summit built on this momentum, where leaders and experts came together to ensure the sustainable future of the Edwards Aquifer. Their work solidified the EAA’s unwavering commitment to water conservation and a greener, more sustainable future for all.

In 2024, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) planted Texas Native seeds of sustainability, and the results were truly flourishing. The year kicked off with a Volunteer Appreciation Event, where the EAA recognized the tireless efforts of those who made this year of green growth possible. Their dedication to environmental stew ardship set the stage for a year where green was more— more than a color, more than a cause, but a movement.

The year wrapped up with Santa’s Green Garden Wonderland at the H-E-B on Bulverde Rd. & 1604, where families created lasting holiday memories. Free photos with Santa and green stockings filled with eco-friendly treats added a joyful and green twist to the season. It was a festive celebration that blended the magic of the holidays with the spirit of giving back, leaving everyone with a sense of warmth and community.

Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, strong partnerships, and a community-driven spirit, 2024 was truly the year where green was more—more than an initiative, more than a theme, it was a movement that calls us all to take action, fostering growth and environmental stewardship as we move into 2025 and beyond.

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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

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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