NewsDrop-July-August-2026

EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY

PREVENTING WATER CONTAMINATION

JULY AUGUST ‘26

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

Table of Contents

Aquifer Update

04 General Manager’s Message: Our core values

14 What is the Edwards Aquifer Refugia Program?

Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) Refugia is derived from the Latin word refugium, meaning “shelter” or “refuge.”

Collaboration, creativity, science-based, integrity, professionalism, stewardship – undergird how we go about our work.

By equipping emergency responders with detailed, site-specific facility data, the program plays a critical role in minimizing the threat of contamination to the Edwards Aquifer. FEATURE STORY Preventing Water Contamination: The First Responder Mapping Program

06 External and Regulatory Affairs

16 Summer is Blooming

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at the EAA Education Outreach Center Edwards Aquifer Authority Education Outreach Center (EAA EOC) With all of the recent rains, the Edwards Aquifer Authority

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.

Where are they now? Aquifer Management Services Helping to train the next generation of scientists.

EAA EOC Education Outreach Center’s Native Plant Demonstration Garden is putting on quite a show!

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

12 Growing Conservation through Collaboration Outreach

18 Conserving water and preserving the aquifer can start in your own backyard Edwards Aquifer Conservancy Choosing native Texas plants for your landscape has multiple benefits for both you and the aquifer.

How partnerships with local leaders are helping turn conservation into community action.

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

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GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

Our core values: collaboration, creativity, science- based, integrity, professionalism, stewardship -

undergird how we go about our work.

By: Roland Ruiz General Manager

• Collaboration -- by spreading the conservation ethic through partnerships and with communities across our region, including our Habitat Conservation Plan. • Creativity -- by using native plants as a natural means to convey the importance of connecting the landscape to our water use. • Science-based -- by combining data with technology to help our first responders prevent inadvertent contamination to the aquifer as they carry out their work on the recharge zone. • Integrity -- by linking our mission to personal responsibility and In this edition of the News Drop, you see representation of each of these core values.

These values were identified years ago by our staff through a deliberative and shared process. They’ve since been revisited and tweaked and continue to stand the test of time as we move from past to present to the next generation of our mission.

In our 30th year of operations, these core values continue to give us a set of self-identified ideals of accountability. They represent what we believe about our collective selves while giving us aspirational guideposts we strive to meet each day – with one another, the people we regulate, and the public at large – all for the greater good of our work.

opportunities to make a difference through water preservation practices in our own backyards. • Professionalism -- by enabling the next generation of scientists to come into their own through our established internship programs. • Stewardship -- by linking all our programs together under the common mission to manage, enhance and protect the Edwards Aquifer system.

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EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS | FEATURED STORY

PREVENTING WATER CONTAMINATION: (FRMP) THE FIRST RESPONDER MAPPING PROGRAM

By: Ben Urbanczyk Principal Regulatory Inspector

The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) First Responder Mapping Program (FRMP) is a proactive initiative designed to protect one of the region’s most vital water resources from the risks posed by catastrophic fires and large chemical spills. By equipping emergency responders with detailed, site-specific facility data, the program plays a critical role in minimizing the threat of contamination to the Edwards Aquifer.

About the Program The FRMP was developed to serve as a practical resource for first responders operating within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone — an environmentally sensitive area spanning Bexar, Comal, Hays, Medina, and Uvalde counties. The program provides critical, site-specific information to support safer and more effective incident response.

THIS MAPPING INITIATIVE supports emergency preparedness by identifying key site features, including regulated substance storage locations, drainage patterns, sensitive environmental areas, and potential runoff pathways.

The program targets facilities that are regulated under the EAA’s Subchapter F rules and thus store more than 1,000 gallons of regulated substances — defined under EAA rules as any liquid that qualifies as a hazardous substance or petroleum product. The primary concern addressed by the FRMP is the risk of contamination caused by firewater runoff. During firefighting

operations, water can come into contact with these regulated substances and carry contaminants into storm drains, waterways, and soil, ultimately threatening the water quality of the Edwards Aquifer.

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EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS | FEATURED STORY

BY IMPROVING ACCESS TO FACILITY LOCATION DATA AND DRAINAGE INFORMATION, THE FRMP HELPS EMERGENCY RESPONDERS BETTER MANAGE AND CONTAIN FIREWATER RUNOFF AT THE SOURCE.

The FRMP reflects the EAA’s commitment to proactive stewardship of the Edwards Aquifer — not only through regulatory over sight, but through practical tools that empower community partners to respond effectively when it matters most.

This sample map reflects the typical layout available to first responders. Detail levels vary by site based on the volume of regulated substances, proximity to known sensitive geographic features (sinkholes, caves, etc), and the level of engagement with local emergency personnel.

Figure 1: A map detailing recharge zone protection sites.

Program Development | FRMP evolved through a deliberate, multi-year process:

Mapping the Recharge Zone

This capability has broad implications for emergency response outcomes. Accurate, accessible mapping data supports: • More targeted containment strategies during emergency events • Reduced environmental impact on the Recharge Zone • Lower remediation and cleanup costs following an incident

2017 EAA staff began systematically documenting the types and volumes of regulated substances stored on the Recharge Zone, establishing a foundational inventory of 38 regulated facilities within Bexar County.

2019 Formal mapping efforts were initiated. Under EAA rules, facilities exceeding the 1,000-gallon storage threshold are required to submit detailed facility maps to the EAA. These maps were then digitized using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to create accurate, standardized digital records that can be readily shared with first responders.

2026 The FRMP has expanded its reach outside of Bexar County and now works to map any Subchapter F regulated facilities located on the Recharge Zone and within the jurisdiction of the EAA. As shown in Figure 1 , there are currently 62 regulated facilities in Bexar, Comal, Hays, Medina, and Uvalde counties.

GIS mapping is central to the FRMP’s effectiveness. By capturing drainage routes, stormwater infrastructure, and other site-specific conditions in a digital format, the program enables first responders to anticipate how firewater runoff may behave during an active incident — before it reaches sensitive environmental areas.

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AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Where are they now?

By: Gizelle Luevano Principal Geoscientist - Aquifer Science At the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), internships are designed to give students real-world experience that can help shape their career. Through fieldwork, research, and mentorship, the EAA’s internship program provides an opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Former interns Phillip Valladolid in the field at the Texas Water Development Board as their Groundwater Quality Team Lead and Joe Kortan are examples of how those experiences can leave a lasting impact. What began as an opportunity to learn about water resource management at the EAA became the foundation for successful careers dedicated to protecting our natural resources in both the public and private sectors. Helping to train the next generation of scientists.

Joe Kortan in the field as an EAA intern.

hile pursuing his master’s degree at UT San Antonio, Phillip gained firsthand experience in both field and laboratory work during his EAA internship with the Aquifer Sustainability team. During his time at the EAA , Phillip performed conservation easement inspections, visited remote sites, ran tedious chemistry titrations, and cleaned up messy databases. Looking back, those long days were entirely worth it. Joe’s experience was equally impactful. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree at UT San Antonio, he interned with the Aquifer Science Research team where he sampled wells for water quality analyses and measured water levels. He quickly learned how to handle the unpredictable nature of working outdoors without compromising data quality. Dealing with changing weather conditions and tough environments helped him to develop the confidence and adaptability he needed to manage complex regulatory reporting after graduation. W “ That hands-on work completely shaped my career,” Phillip reflects. “I developed a genuine appreciation for everything that goes into fieldwork—the early morning planning, the long drives, and building real trust with private landowners.”

Phillip Valladolid in the field at the Texas Water Development Board as their Groundwater Quality Team Lead.

“Always make sure you do not leave any field equipment behind and use a checklist to confirm you have everything before leaving a site,” Phillip advises. “Leave private property in the same condition you found it. Most importantly, being respectful, professional, and friendly with private landowners goes a long way. When faced with a choice between an easy task and a challenging one, try to tackle the more challenging option first. Taking that path promotes growth and learning.” Joe echoes that sentiment, emphasizing how much the little things matter when you are out in the elements. “Attention to detail in the field matters, small observations can have big impacts later,” Joe notes. “Stay engaged, ask questions, and take advantage of hands-on opportunities, they make all the difference.” For students interested in science, water resources, or environmental management, an EAA internship can provide a meaningful first step toward a successful career.

Those demanding field days built a foundation that paid off down the road for both former interns. Phillip eventually joined the Texas Water Development Board, where he now serves as the Groundwater Quality Team Lead, overseeing major water initiatives across the state. Joe applied the skills he developed during his EAA internship to a career in environmental consulting as a Field Geologist, managing fieldwork for large scale underground storage tank cleanups. “It’s incredibly rewarding to do work that actually leaves the environment safer and helps communities rebuild,” Joe says. Today, Phillip and Joe are building careers rooted in the lessons they learned at the EAA. Their stories highlight the lasting value of internships in helping students gain practical experience, build confidence, and develop professional skills needed for successful careers.

Scan this QR code to browse EAA internship opportunities or job openings:

As they reflect on their internship experiences, both Phillip and Joe encourage future interns to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.

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That success reflects decades of partnership among the many guardians of the Edwards Aquifer—local leaders, businesses, schools, community organizations, residents, and the EAA working toward a common goal. Lasting conservation depends on people working together to sustain the water resources that support our communities today and for generations to come. One of the first opportunities to put those partnerships into action comes on Saturday, October 17th when the EAA brings its annual Rooted in Texas: Free Native Plant Giveaway to New Braunfels. The event will provide thousands of free native plants, giving residents a simple, practical way to conserve water while supporting pollinators and wildlife, improving soil health, and creating landscapes naturally adapted to South Central Texas. (

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OUTREACH

By: Nikki Young Sr. Community Engagement Administrator

Growing CONSERVATION through Collaboration How partnerships with local leaders are helping turn conservation into community action.

“ One of the greatest strengths of the Edwards Aquifer Authority is the partnerships we’ve built throughout the region,” said Andrés Campos , EAA District 8 Director.

building relationships, sharing resources, and creating opportunities for conservation to take root.

The EAA is also inviting residents to share their own conservation stories through the Rooted in Saving Water: Conserve and Share Photo Contest. Together, the contest and the plant giveaway offer two different ways for the community to participate—one by capturing conservation in action, the other by putting it into practice. Whether it’s a chamber leader sharing information with local businesses, a city official connecting residents with conservation resources, a teacher inspiring students, or a homeowner planting a native species, every action helps strengthen the future of the Edwards Aquifer.

“Bringing the Rooted in Texas Native Plant Giveaway to New Braunfels reflects that commitment to working alongside our communities and making conservation accessible through simple, practical actions everyone can take” . Like the information session, the plant giveaway is about more than distributing native plants. It reflects the EAA’s commitment to meeting communities where they are—

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Every conversation, every photograph, every native plant, and every partnership helps strengthen the community of guardians working to sustain the Edwards Aquifer for generations to come.

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upcoming events

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he Edwards Aquifer has many guardians. From scientists and permit regulators to educators, business leaders, elected officials, community partners, and residents, caring for this shared resource is a responsibility we all share. To strengthen those partnerships, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) recently welcomed Chamber of Commerce and economic development organization leaders from across its 8-county region to the EAA headquarters for an information session designed to provide a deeper understanding of its mission, responsibilities, and programs.

Roland Ruiz, General Manager for the EAA, provided an inside look at how the agency manages, enhances, and protects the Edwards Aquifer while highlighting the many ways it partners with communities to support responsible growth, water conservation, public outreach, and stewardship. The session also created an opportunity to strengthen relationships, answer questions, exchange ideas, and encourage continued dialogue with organizations that help shape the future of the region.

To kick off Texas Native Plant Week Saturday, October 17th at 9AM Columbus Club Hall, 111 Landa Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130. The EAA will provide thousands of free native plants while supplies last.

Deadline to Submit: Monday, August 31, 2026

”Today, we’re using about the same amount of water from the Edwards Aquifer as we did in the mid-1950s, even though the population has tripled—if not quadrupled,” said Benjamin Youngblood III, Vice-Chair of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors and a member of the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (EAC) Board of Directors. “That’s the value of people recognizing that conservation works.”

Winner Recognition: November 2026 Board Meeting

Calendar Release: January 2027

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Visit the Edwards Aquifer Authority newsroom for event info. & updates! edwardsaquifer.org/news

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EDWARDS AQUIFER HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (EAHCP)

What is the Edwards Aquifer Refugia Program?

By: Kristina Tolman Senior HCP Coordinator for Threatened and Endangered Species

The Edwards Aquifer Refugia Program (EARP) contract between the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) and USFWS began in January 2017. EARP operates dedicated spaces at two off-site USFWS NFHS facilities: the San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center (SMARC) in San Marcos and the Uvalde National Fish Hatchery (UNFH) in Uvalde. Both facilities use

water sourced from nearby Edwards Aquifer wells. The EAA funded a new EARP building at SMARC, completed in late 2018, and renovations to dedicated space at UNFH. The new EARP facility at SMARC includes enhanced security, a quarantine room, and redundant power and cooling systems to maintain stable conditions for the captive populations.

Refugia is derived from the Latin word refugium, meaning “shelter” or “refuge.” The term refers to places where organisms can persist through periods of unfavorable environmental change. In the Comal and San Marcos springs systems, the natural refugia during extremely low springflow conditions are the Old Channel of the Comal River and Spring Lake—the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Both areas are predicted to retain water even under severe drought. However, contamination or chemical spills could compromise these natural refugia. To guard against such events, Section 5.1.1 of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat

Conservation Plan (EAHCP) requires off-site refugia facilities to maintain back-up populations of covered species, preventing extirpation or extinction during a catastrophic event. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), within the Department of the Interior, is responsible for protecting and conserving fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. Through its National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS), USFWS oversees 71 NFHS facilities nationwide that raise and maintain aquatic species and plants for research and/or reintroduction of native populations.

USFWS EARP staff collect wild individuals from both spring systems and transport them to either SMARC or UNFH. Upon arrival, individuals enter quarantine, where they are assigned to aquaria by collection location and date. During quarantine, staff monitor and assess health before moving animals to primary holding spaces. In captivity, USFWS tracks feeding, reproduction, and other life-history traits. The first offspring born in captivity are designated F1. To preserve genetic diversity reflective of wild populations, only wild-caught and F1 individuals are candidates for potential reintroduction; later generations are reserved for research. Applied studies address habitat requirements, species biology, life histories, and reintroduction methods. EARP maintains wild and F1 populations of fountain darters (managed separately for the Comal and San Marcos systems), three salamander taxa (Texas blind, San Marcos, and Comal), as well as Comal Springs riffle beetles and Comal Springs dryopid beetles. EARP does not collect San Marcos gambusia because the species is extinct. The program also only maintains Texas troglobitic water slaters and Texas cave diving beetles when they are encountered in the wild, which is rare and infrequent. Texas wild-rice (TWR) plants are hand-collected within designated river reaches. Each collection is documented by location and date, and plants are maintained in raceways. Mature TWR plants are then provided to the Ecological Research Group at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment for planting in the San Marcos River, primarily downstream of I-35.

To visit SMARC: schedule a free tour by calling 512-353-0011.

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By: Sarah Valdez Senior STEAM Outreach Educator at the EAA Education Outreach Center Summer is Blooming

EAA EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER

and other hands-on educational experiences. They will also have time to explore the exhibits and interactive displays throughout the Education Outreach Center. In addition to YMCA campers, several school groups remain scheduled to visit this summer, including students from Medina Valley ISD and Uvalde CISD. Teachers from Comal ISD’s Comal U Professional Learning event, along with several citizen groups, will also be making visits throughout the season. Frostweed, one of our tallest plants, grew so vigorously that we had to cut it back by nearly half. Our Purple coneflowers have displayed some unusual growth patterns this season, while new volunteer milkweeds, including Talayote milkweed, have appeared throughout the garden. Milkweeds are especially important because they provide food and habitat for a variety of pollinators, including monarch butterflies. q q The recent rains have encouraged impressive growth.

Our interns & work study students garden... while volunteers from the Alamo Area Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists have helped keep things looking their best by pruning some of our most enthusiastic growers. Along the way, they have even taught us about several edible native plants growing in the garden.

Basketflowers are blooming beautifully, and visitors can even take home native plant seeds from the EOC to start their own pollinator-friendly gardens. Our grass demonstration beds are also flourishing with Buffalo Grass, Little Bluestem, Sideoats Grama, Blue Grama, and newly added Weberville Sedge showcasing the beauty and diversity of native Texas grasses. w

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The excitement isn’t limited to the garden. Throughout the summer, the EOC will welcome campers from seven locations of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. Nearly 400 students in grades K–5 will visit the center as part of their summer camp experience. Thanks to support from the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy, transportation costs are being offset through funding for bus transportation. Students visiting the EOC will participate in a full field trip experience that includes an Edwards Aquifer presentation, scavenger hunt, aquifer-themed art activity,

With all of the recent rains, the Edwards Aquifer Authority EAA EOC Education Outreach Center’s Native Plant Demonstration Garden is putting on quite a show! The garden is bursting with color and growth as native plants thrive in these conditions.

Whether you’re interested in native plants, pollinators, water conservation, or simply looking for a fun and educational outing, the EAA Education Outreach Center is the place to be this summer. q

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EDWARDS AQUIFER CONSERVANCY

Conserving water & preserving the aquifer can start in your own backyard.

By: Sara Beesley EAA Chief Development Officer N Choosing native Texas plants for your landscape has multiple benefits for both you and the aquifer. Over time, it saves water and money, and as a bonus, it provides habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. ative plants are plants that are a part of the balance of nature that has developed over hundreds or thousands of years in a particular region or ecosystem, according to the USDA. Because native plants are adapted to the local soil and climate, they require less water after they are established. Using less water when watering your yard means conserving more and saving money on your water bill. Native plants tend to have deeper roots, which improves soil quality, reduces soil erosion, and increases water infiltration. If you are located over the recharge zone, this means more water makes it into the aquifer when it rains and you have less runoff. Once you decide to start on your native plant journey, you need to determine which plants are right for your yard. Texas has ten ecoregions, each with plants and trees native to that specific ecoregion. San Antonio and Bexar County are in a unique location in Texas where four major ecoregions come together: Edwards Plateau, Blackland Prairie, Post Oak Savannah and South Texas Plains. The Edwards Aquifer is located along the eastern edge of the Edwards Plateau. The different ecoregions in the area means a variety of native plants have adapted over the years to the region.

You don’t have to start the journey towards a native plant garden alone. There are plenty of local resources (and even coupons) to help you get started. Check out the Garden Style San Antonio website from our partners at the San Antonio Water System Conservation Department ( www.gardenstylesanantonio.com ). They have a great list of resources – from how to design your landscape to proper watering techniques to save water and help your plants thrive. They also offer landscape coupons and irrigation rebates throughout the year. The Native Plant Society of Texas ( www.npsot.org ) has a Native Plant Database where you can search for plants based on your ecoregion and specific plant needs, such as plants that prefer sun or shade. Planting native plants in your garden is an easy way to make a difference and become an aquifer steward. The Edwards Aquifer Conservancy supports the EAA Education Outreach Center, where you can see an example of a native plant garden and learn more ways to conserve the aquifer.

Ecoregions of Texas Map: Griffith, G.E., Bryce, S.A., Omernik, J.M., Comstock, J.A., Rogers, A.C., Harrison, B., Hatch, S.L., and Bezanson, D., 2004, Ecoregions of Texas (color poster with map, descriptive text, and photographs): Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:2,500,000). This project was partially supported by funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region VI, Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) programs.

Contact us at: EAC@edwardsaquifer.org or visit our website at: eaconservancy.org for more information.

Gregg’s Mistflower ( Conoclinium greggii )

( Malvaviscus arboreus ) Turk’s Cap

Be a part of the EAC Contributing Zone by scanning our QR code.

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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!

You can listen to this podcast everywhere podcasts are available. Catch the Aquifer In-Sight Series on our YouTube channel.

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

ABOUT US 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 & Engagement Department with helpful assistance from EAA Staff.

Edwards Aquifer Authority 900 E. Quincy San Antonio, Texas 78244 www.edwardsaquifer.org