NewsDrop-February-2025

PROMOTES WATER CONSCIOUS FARMING GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM

ISSUE 1 - FEBRUARY 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

AQUIFER UPDATE

EAA GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE OUR MISSION: MANAGE, ENHANCE AND PROTECT. The Edwards Aquifer system is most valued when we find ourselves in drought.

FEATURE STORY HEALING A SCAR

GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM PROMOTES WATER CONSCIOUS FARMING For ten years, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) has managed the Groundwater Conservation Grant Program that has helped farmers in our region save water while growing crops. PAGE 8

A SUBTERRANEAN KIND OF LOVE

This Valentine’s let’s celebrate love—for nature, conservation, and the extraordinary species that thrive in the unique environment of 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.

The ‘scar’ coined by the EAA team was formed and continues to increase in size due to added development within the watershed upstream of the EAA Field Research Park.

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

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NEW STEAM EDUCATOR AT THE EAA EOC

FOR THE LOVE OF WATER: EAA CULTIVATES COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

EXPLORING THE WONDERS OF WATER: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE EOC At the Edwards Aquifer Edu cation Center (EOC), students embark on an adventure that blends learning, discovery, and fun! PAGE 12

Let’s give a warm welcome to Elizabeth Gutierrez as she embarks on her new role as the STEAM Outreach Educator II at the EAA EOC! PAGE 20

Through meaningful community engagement, we aim to create impactful opportunities that bring people together and inspire action to safeguard our region’s most vital resource.

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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:

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

Cover: Mike Saathoff, EAA permittee and farmer, standing in his cabbage field in Hondo, Texas.

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GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Roland Ruiz General Manager

THE EDWARDS AQUIFER SYSTEM IS MOST VALUED WHEN WE FIND OURSELVES IN DROUGHT. OUR MISSION TO MANAGE, ENHANCE AND PROTECT

WE ENTER 2025 IN THE THROES OF A DROUGHT THAT HAS MANY OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WORST DROUGHT IN RECORDED HISTORY – THE DROUGHT OF THE 1950S.

Comparatively, conditions today look a lot like they did at the start of 1956, in terms of aquifer levels.

The difference between then and now though is our capabilities to monitor and manage our water use through drought to mitigate its harsh est effects. We have a plethora of tools on which we rely – regulatory and voluntary -- to help slow the decline of aquifer levels and its springflows and, because of this, we have a cer tain resilience that can help us endure until the next rainy season.

So, we begin a new year with the Uvalde Pool in stage 5 and the San Antonio Pool in stage 4 of our critical period management plan, which translate to significant regulatory curtailments in the amount of authorized groundwater available for pumping from the Edwards Aquifer. Addi tionally, our Voluntary Irrigation Suspension Program Option (VISPO) is in effect for the third consecutive year, meaning that participating

farmers have contractually obligated themselves to forbear (not pump) water enrolled in this program in exchange for payment. The reason we remain in drought is clear we have experienced below average rainfall in vary ing degrees each year dating back to 2019 (as recorded at the San Antonio Airport). Cumulatively, this equates to a deficit of 61.8 inches over that time frame (2019-2024).

Thankfully, however, a water conservation ethic around the Edwards has taken root over the years as evident in the widespread use of high efficiency irrigation technologies and the growing efforts undertaken by water purveyors across the region to educate water users and work toward creative long term alternative water supply solutions.

And just as we are doing now, we will continue to lean on a resilience that continues to foster inno vative approaches to stretching water supplies, conserving the best we can, and improving the ways we steward recharge to the aquifer to safe guard its sustainability from drought to drought.

Droughts will come and go as in the past, albeit perhaps on a more frequent and intensive basis.

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HEALING A SCAR

By: Brent Doty Research Manager, Aquifer Science

Project SCAR features the long-term observation of land management practices designed to diffuse stormwater energy and reduce sediment loading, potentially revers ing erosion and improving water quality. EAA scientists and contractors worked together to design and install simple NBS structures within and around the scar channel and local watershed. A team featuring EAA scientists, interns, and contractors carefully built rock and brush structures along the length of the scar feature and nearby tributary channels. Over time, as plants grow within the NBS structures, EAA scientists hypothesize that additional natural water filtering will occur as the site matures. An automated trail camera, routine drone captures, and boots-on-the-ground monitor ing will keep track of any physical and eco logical changes to the site over time. Looking forward, EAA scientists will also deploy automated water quality samplers to evalu ate sediment loading at the start and end of the scar area. Over the course of numerous rain events, EAA researchers hope to gather and evaluate quantifiable evidence of ero sion reduction and reduced sediment loading from incoming runoff. Stay tuned for future updates!

Drone imagery of the ‘scar’ area at the EAA’s Field Research Park (map by Jewell Lee Cozort).

Jewell Lee Cozort and Derek Hausman, EAA Environmental Scientists, monitor vegetation along the “Scar” feature at the EAA Field Research Park.

EAA scientists, interns, and contractors work together to install simple rock and brush structures at the Scar site.

HEALING A SCAR NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR WATER QUALITY AND EROSION PROTECTION

Derek Hausman and Jewell Lee Cozort carefully take measurements while assessing channel depth and vegetation at the EAA’s Field Research Park (FRP). Derek calls out a depth on a leveling rod, “three-point-two meters”, while Jewell Lee records his measurement and takes note of plant species at each interval. The two scientists are monitoring an erosional feature caused by combination of head cuts and channel incision from excessive stormwa ter runoff. EAA scientists call this erosional head-cut feature a ‘scar’, as it resembles a scar in the land scape and is markedly visible from satellite imagery.

The scar was formed and continues to increase in size due to urban development and impervious cover within the watershed upstream of the FRP. Impervious cover are surfaces in a landscape that cannot absorb or infiltrate rainfall (e.g., concrete, asphalt). During heavy rain events, stormwater run off increases as it is unable to infiltrate impervious cover. As such, it carries more energy and sediment downstream and may carry potential pollutants. The faster moving stormwater runoff erodes channel banks, thus causing the scar to grow more quickly overtime, leading to added erosion and potential contaminant transport across the sensitive Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone.

Nature-Based Solutions and Project SCAR

SCAR (Sustainable Channel Assessment and Restoration). The development of the scar fea ture at the FRP has provided an opportunity to research two other potential benefits of NBS features – water quality improvement and ero sion protection. In concept, high energy and sediment-laden stormwater will be dissipated by the combination of natural obstacles posed by the various NBS structures. Rock structures provide armoring from erosion and offer pock ets for sediment trapping, while brush struc tures also help to reduce stormwater velocity and allow additional sediment trapping.

The completed SCAR land management features awaiting rainfall testing.

Several research projects at the FRP have featured nature-based solution (NBS) features with the goal increasing recharge to the aquifer. Rock sills, berms and swales, and other simple rock structures dot the landscape of the FRP. to slow, spread, and sink runoff, potentially increasing natural recharge. While the devel opment of the scar was at first a concern, EAA scientists quickly viewed it as an opportunity for investigation and embarked on a research effort that is coincidentally named Project

Tune in as Mollie Walton, an expert Restoration Ecologist, gives us a sneak peek into one of the amazing restoration projects happening at the Field Research Park!

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GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM

By: Isabel Martinez , EAA Senior Permit & Conservation Coordinator

GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION

GRANT PROGRAM PROMOTES WATER CONSCIOUS FARMING

For ten years, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) has managed the Groundwater Conser vation Grant Program that has helped farmers in our region save water while growing crops such as corn, cotton, and wheat, just to name a few. Farmers apply for financial assistance to purchase new crop irrigation equipment that will replace older, less water-efficient irriga tion equipment. Since 2016, the program has helped agriculture producers purchase center pivot sprinkler systems, linear sprinkler sys tems, and subsurface drip irrigation systems. One of the oldest ways farmers can irrigate a field is through flood irrigation. This type of water use is not very efficient as it is estimated approximately 45-50% of water used is lost. The EAA’s grant program helps local farmers transition from this type of irrigation practice to more efficient irrigation methods through the purchase of overhead sprinkler systems. In a field with flood irrigation there are fur rows, or small trenches that are made into the ground with a plow, where seeds are planted,

and water is applied to. To apply water, the farmer uses pipes and/or hoses to release water and run down the length of the furrow. A popular irrigation method that is used to replace flood irrigation is the use of overhead sprinkler systems such as center pivot sprinkler systems and linear sprinkler systems. These types of sprinkler systems have a long overhead pipe that is held up by a series of wheeled tow ers and along the length of the overhead pipe, and in between each tower, is a series of four to five hoses the drop down toward the ground. At the end of each hose is a sprinkler head. The length of the hoses and the type of sprinkler head attached to the hose determines how water efficient the system is. When these systems are used, they are 80-90% water efficient. Our groundwater conservation grant program also assisted in the purchase and installation of subsurface drip irrigation systems. Subsurface drip irrigation is a water saving system in which tubes, also known as drip tape, are buried under the soil surface. Because the tape is buried in

the ground, water is applied directly to crops’ root zones. Since water is delivered below the soil surface, water lost due to evaporation and surface runoff are eliminated thus making this type of irri gation method close to 95% efficient. Each year, the irrigation projects funded by the grant program save at least 200 acre-feet of water a year. The success of the program helped it receive grant funding from the Texas Water Devel opment Board’s Agriculture Water Conservation Grant Program as well as receive the 2019 Ameri can Water Works Association Texas Section’s Con servation and Reuse Award. The EAA recognizes that groundwater conserva tion practices are important for the sustainability of the Edwards Aquifer and promotes stewardship through the Groundwater Conservation Grant Pro gram. The program achieves this by helping agri culture producers save water and supporting their communities and economies.

Hear from Isabel Martinez, EAA Senior Permit & Conservation Coordinator, about the Irrigation Efficiency Improvement Program, an EAA grant program designed to help farmers irrigate their crops while conserving water.

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A SUBTERRANEAN KIND OF LOVE

By: Brianna Anzaldua Communications and Development Intern

A SUBTERRANEAN KIND OF LOVE PROTECTING THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER

A visitor excitingly calls her parent over to look at the endangered Texas blind salamander aquarium.

Conservation Efforts: The EAHCP The Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) is a compre hensive, regional initiative created to protect threatened and endangered species in the Edwards Aquifer and the Comal and San Marcos Springs ecosystems. In 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued an Incidental Take Permit to the Edwards Aquifer Authority, the City of San Marcos, the City of New Braunfels, Texas State University, and the City of San Antonio (through the San Antonio Water System). These entities, known collectively as the EAHCP Permittees, work together to safeguard covered species from threats like groundwater pumping and habitat disturbance. The EAHCP employs a range of conservation measures, including: • Springflow Protection through programs like Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) and Voluntary Irrigation Suspension Program Option (VISPO), which maintain springflow during droughts. • Habitat Restoration by removing non-native plant species and planting native aquatic vegetation to create sustainable habitats. • Biological Monitoring to assess species populations, habitat health, and potential threats.

This Valentine’s let’s celebrate love—for nature, conservation, and the extraordinary species that thrive in the unique environment of the Edwards Aquifer. At our EAA Education Outreach Center (EOC) you can explore the hidden world beneath the surface, where endangered species like the Texas blind salamander and Fountain darter reveal the beauty and fragility of life. Our center is free and open to the public, offering free field trips to inspire all ages to connect with these species that reside deep within the aquifer or within the Comal and San Marcos spring systems. The Texas blind salamander (Eurycea rathbuni) lives exclusively in the underground caves, artesian springs and wells of the Edwards Aquifer. This blind and eyeless, cave-dwelling salamander relies on still, deep pools of water. Its thin skin and external gills make it vulnerable to chemical pollut ants and changes in water quality. Listed as endangered since 1967, the salamander is a symbol of how fragile subterranean ecosystems can be. Fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola) is a smallest of the darter fam ily of fish and is only found in the Comal and San Marcos spring systems, where it thrives in clear, flowing water among submerged aquatic vegetation. Its endangered status since 1970 reflects the challenges posed by habitat loss, drought, and recreational activities. Conservation measures under the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP), such as submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) restoration, aim to protect this species and its habitat.

These efforts help ensure the survival of species like the Texas blind sala mander and Fountain darter, especially during extreme drought or other cat astrophic events. The EAHCP is currently in the process of renewing its Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program Incidental Take Permit (ITP), which is set to expire in 2028. Become an Aquifer Admirer Plan your visit to the EOC and observe our 3 aquariums that house native species like the Texas Logperch and Largespring Gambusia, showcasing the aquifer’s biodiversity; non-native species like the Mexican Tetra, highlight ing the challenges posed by introduced species; and view our endangered Texas blind salamander and Fountain darter species that symbolize the importance of preservation and conservation.

“The aquarium wall at the EOC is unique in that it brings the aquifer to life, literally. Folks may not recognize that the aquifer and the habitats it provides are teeming with life and the everyday decisions they make regarding water use and conservation make an impact on all that rely on the aquifer.” – Chad Furl, EAA Chief Science Officer

Visitors eagerly look at the native species aquarium and try to identify the fish they see.

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A JOURNEY THROUGH THE EOC

By: EAA EOC Staff

EXPLORING THE WONDERS

OF WATER: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE EOC

By the end of the experiment, students have not only identified limestone, but they’ve gained a deeper understanding of the geological processes that shape the aquifer. Art Meets Science: Aquifer Artists Creativity flows freely at the Aquifer Artists station, where students use fabric, markers, and stamps to create artwork that reflects the beauty of water and the aquifer. Whether they’re drawing Texas blind salamanders, native fish, or the land scapes of the aquifer, students find a unique way to express what they’ve learned through art.

The adventure starts in the Karst Cave Theatre, a space designed to mimic the very caves where the Edwards Aquifer’s water is stored. As students settle into their seats, they’re transported into the depths of the aquifer’s story, learning how rainwa ter trickles underground, feeding the very water supply that sustains the area. With pictures, vid eos, and an engaging staff-led discussion, students explore everything from the endangered species that call the aquifer home to the importance of water conservation. A Journey Begins: Aquifer 101 Presentation

For many, this presentation opens their eyes to the critical role groundwater plays in sustaining life in South Texas. Uncovering Hidden Treasures: Exploration Station Next, students step outside for a scavenger hunt at the Exploration Station. Armed with riddles and clues, students explore the garden and patio of the EOC, discovering native plants and animals along the way. It’s a hands-on experience that taps into their curios ity and sharpens their critical thinking.

For some students, this is their first time learning about the importance of native plants and wildlife, and it sparks a newfound respect for the environment. A Rock Solid Lesson: Aquifer Rocks Back inside, students gather around tables for a hands-on geology experiment that will teach them about the unique rocks that make up the Edwards Aquifer. The activity begins with a simple ques tion: What makes limestone so special? Armed with safety goggles and a set of rocks, students are guided through a chemical reaction that reveals the secrets hidden in the stone beneath their feet.

Students break into smaller groups of 20 to 25 and rotate through hands-on Education Stations, each one designed to immerse them in different aspects of the aquifer’s ecosystem. For 20 minutes at each station, students get to dive deep into the world of groundwater, native wildlife, and conserva tion. The EOC’s staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that every group’s needs are met, adjust ing activities to suit age levels and group sizes. “Our goal is to make each visit feel personalized and interactive,” says one EOC representative. “We want visitors to walk away not just with knowledge, but with a sense of wonder about the natural world.”

At the Edwards Aquifer Education Center (EOC), students embark on an adventure that blends learning, discovery, and fun. With educational programs designed for groups ranging from 10 to 100 visitors, each visit is a unique journey that brings the mysteries of the Edwards Aquifer to life.

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A JOURNEY THROUGH THE EOC

By: EAA EOC Staff

The artwork is displayed at the EOC, and teachers take it back to their classrooms, where it serves as a reminder of the lessons learned on their journey. Magic and Science: Water Magic with the Astonishing Mr. Pitts For younger students, there’s nothing quite as cap tivating as the magic of water—especially when it’s combined with science. Enter the Astonishing Mr. Pitts, who brings water conservation to life through magic tricks and puppet shows. As students volun teer to assist in the tricks, they learn about the prop erties of water and why conserving it is so important,

all while laughing and clapping along with the show.

they’re connected to the land around them. It’s all about making that connection.” Exploring the Outdoors: Nature Navigators The adventure wraps up with a short, guided hike to the Field Research Park. As students explore the natural landscape, they discover native plants, animals, and geological features that make this area so special. Laminated booklets help stu dents identify what they see along the way, rein forcing the lessons they’ve learned in a real-world setting.

As the hike concludes, students leave with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them. A Lasting Impact Each station at the EOC offers students the chance to engage with science, nature, and conservation in a hands-on way, all while fostering a deeper under standing of the Edwards Aquifer. The experience is designed to inspire curiosity and instill a sense of responsibility for protecting this vital resource for generations to come.

After their visit, many students leave with more than just memories—they leave with a new outlook on the importance of water and the environment. And as they head back to their classrooms, the lessons learned at the EOC will continue to ripple out, shaping the way they think about the world around them.

“We want visitors to walk away not just with knowledge, but with a sense of wonder about the natural world.”

A Wild Adventure: Water and Wildlife

The next stop on the journey is a live animal pre sentation that introduces students to the creatures that call the Edwards Aquifer area home. From snakes and toads to birds and insects, students get a chance to touch and interact with the animals, learn ing about their unique adaptations and how they sur vive in the aquifer’s ecosystem.

“The kids love this station,” says one volunteer. “They get so excited to hold the animals and see how

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EAA CULTIVATES COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

By: Nikki Young Sr. Community Engagement Administrator

CELEBRATING CONSERVATION AND COLLABORATION THIS HEARTFELT SEASON FOR THE LOVE OF WATER: EAA CULTIVATES COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Inspiring the Next Generation One of the most impactful ways we connect with our community is through speaking engagements at schools and participating in Career Day events. These opportunities allow students to explore careers in the environmental and water industries, with a particular focus on roles within the EAA. They gain valuable insights from our staff about their educational backgrounds and professional journeys. Our ongoing involvement in Career Day events helps spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of environmental advocates.

This February, as we celebrate love in all its forms, the Edwards Aquifer Authority is sharing a special kind of devotion—our commitment to fostering connections, promoting education, and protecting the environment. Through meaningful community engagement, we aim to create impactful opportunities that bring people together and inspire action to safeguard our region’s most vital resource.

EAA staff members distribute promotional items and answer questions about the EAA and the EOC at fairs, festivals, trade shows, and expos throughout the year.

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EAA CULTIVATES COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Upcoming Volunteer and Community Events

We’re also gearing up for the highly anticipated Edwards Aquifer Authority Summit, where experts, community leaders, and stakeholders come together to exchange ideas and address critical conservation topics. Events like this foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in man aging our shared water resources, connecting community members with the issues that directly impact them. These events highlight how our mission aligns with the community’s desire to make a positive difference. By volunteering or attending, participants con tribute to building a culture of collaboration, education, and conservation. We invite everyone to join us—whether as a volunteer, supporter, or attendee—to help make this year’s events even more impactful. Together, we can inspire change, nurture sustainable practices, and protect the Edwards Aquifer for generations to come.

Our calendar is full of opportunities to engage with the community this year, and we couldn’t do it without the support of dedicated volunteers. This spring, we’ll host our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, a special occasion to celebrate the incredible individuals who generously give their time to support our outreach programs, assist with educational field trips at the EAA’s Educa tion Outreach Center, and contribute to making our events successful. Volun teers play a vital role in helping us inspire and educate the community about the importance of water conservation and sustainability. Later in the year, we’ll continue to create meaningful connections through signature events like the 2nd annual Rooted in Texas: Native Plant Giveaway, a drive-through celebration that promotes sustainable landscaping by pro viding native plants to local residents. This event not only fosters a love for sustainable practices but also brings people together with the shared goal of protecting our natural resources. Volunteers are essential to ensuring the event runs smoothly, from distributing plants to engaging with attendees about conservation tips.

Pictured left to right: Gizelle Luevano, Senior Geoscientist, guides students in water quality sampling and field data collection, while Brent Doty, Research Manager, presents how the Edwards Aquifer system works to an engaged audience.

Supporting Local Initiatives

Stay Connected and Get Involved

We’re proud to sponsor and support events that align with our mission, including river clean-ups, the SAWS Spring Bloom, and EDTalks, an edu cational series designed to spotlight thought leaders and spark meaningful discussions around conservation. These partnerships help us amplify efforts while connecting with diverse audiences across our region. Through these collaborations, we provide educational materials, promo tional giveaways, and sponsorship support to help community partners achieve their goals while raising awareness about the importance of aquifer protection.

There are many ways to engage with the Edwards Aquifer Authority: • Request Our Involvement: Whether you need a speaker for an event, educational materials for your program, or promotional items for giveaways, we’re here to help. • Partner With Us: From event sponsorships to resource sharing, we’re always looking to collaborate with organizations that share our mission. • Support Our Events: Volunteer at one of our upcoming events or help spread the word to your community.

To get involved or submit a request, please email us at Outreach@EdwardsAquifer.org

Jewell Cozart, an aquifer scientist with the Edwards Aquifer Authority, and her niece, Sophia Ramirez, regularly volunteer at environmental cleanup events.

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NEW STEAM OUTREACH EDUCATOR

Let’s give a warm welcome to Elizabeth Gutierrez as she embarks on her new role as the STEAM Outreach Educator II at the EAA EOC! As an award-winning Environmental Educator, she brings over 12 years of experience focused on water resources. As an active facilitator she can provide a wide array of professional development to teachers and informal educators who are looking for innovative ways to learn and teach about natural resources with a focus on all things water. In 2023, Elizabeth was awarded the Project WILD State Facilitator of the year for Texas from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. She has been a multiyear presenter and panelist at major statewide and national science education conferences. A graduate from Texas State University - San Marcos with a B.S. in Geography - Resource and Environmental Studies. Elizabeth is a certified Texas Master Naturalist, a certified facilitator for Project WET, Project WILD, and Project Learning Tree environmental education programs. She has a passion for inspiring everyone, especially school aged children, to care for and connect with water, natural resources and wildlife. Welcome aboard to our aquifer education destination!

THERE’S A NEW STEAM OUTREACH EDUCATOR AT OUR CENTER

Visit the EOC website: https://www.eaaeoc.org/

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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