NewsDrop-June-2025

Managing Through Drought 29 Years

ISSUE 3 - JUNE 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

AQUIFER UPDATE

EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS HOW “BIG” CONVERSIONS HELP MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR WATER One of the biggest challenges

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT A NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHES THE EAA INTO ITS 29TH ANNIVERSARY We’re proud to announce the launch of the newly redesigned www.edwardsaquifer.org , your go-to source for everything related to the Edwards Aquifer Authority.

CRITICAL PERIOD MANAGEMENT (CPM) MANAGING THROUGH DROUGHT The Success Story of the EAA Critical Period Management Plan.

EAA GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE “WATER IS WHY WE’RE HERE.” Our cover photo offers a stark visual reminder of exactly what water scarcity caused by drought can look like in our region.

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.

in our central Texas region is increased residential and

commercial development, and the demand for water that comes with this growth.

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

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AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES THE EAA’S ENVIRONMENTAL DATA PORTAL GOES LIVE EAA is proud to share that the Environmental Data Portal has now launched!

EDWARDS AQUIFER HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (EAHCP) RE-CREATING RECREATION New federal permit application to include enhanced river recreation rules.

EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER A FRESH FINISH New Faces and Features at the EOC.

EAA OUTREACH TELL, SHOW, SHARE. How 29 Years of Outreach has built a Culture of Conservation.

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: Since its creation in the early 1900’s, the Medina Dam (pictured here as of May 2025) is presumed to contributed recharge to the Edwards Aquifer through water seepage from Medina Lake and Diversion Lake.

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GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Roland Ruiz General Manager

“

WATER IS WHY WE’RE HERE.

”

THAT’S THE TAGLINE YOU’LL SEE ON OUR RECENTLY REVISED WEBSITE. IT’S A PITHY STATEMENT INTENDED TO GET TO THE CRUX OF OUR WORK. IRONICALLY, THOUGH, IT IS WHEN WATER IS NOT HERE – WHEN IT IS SCARCE -- THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR WORK IS ELEVATED.

Drought demands our attention, our resources, and our creativity. Thankfully we’ve put all these into play as we’ve developed and implemented programming designed to mitigate the effects of drought on aquifer water levels with the ultimate goal of sustaining continuous minimum springflfows at both the Comal and San Marcos spring systems. These programs – regulatory, voluntary, and incentive-based – work together to help us help the region manage through the dry times of droughts to wetter and better days.

Our cover photo offers a stark visual reminder of exactly what water scarcity caused by drought can look like in our region. A depleted Medina Lake demonstrates the effects of a multi-year drought whose impacts only recently began to be somewhat improved by rain events.

So, it is true. Water is why we’re here, especially when it’s in short supply.

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CRITICAL PERIOD MANAGEMENT (CPM)

HOW WAS IT CREATED?

By: Ann-Margaret Gonzalez Senior Public Affairs Administrator

On May 28, 2007, the EAA Act was amended by the 80th Texas Legislature and increased the per mitted pumping cap to 572,000 acre-feet annually, and the triggers for each stage of CPM changed to be implemented sooner and at higher aquifer lev els. It also allowed for irrigators to finish out crops already planted prior to the implementation of CPM without regard to increased permit reductions due to CPM. This exemption was inserted into EAA Rules resulting in the creation of the Notice of Intent to Finish Out a Crop Program and implemented for the first time in 2008.

Then on February 14, 2012, the EAA Board of Directors voted to amend the CPM Plan to include the new emergency Stage 5. This implementation of Stage 5 included a reduction of 44% to munici pal, industrial and irrigation permit holders in both pools of the Edwards Aquifer who are authorized to withdraw more than 3 acre-feet per year. Stage 5 became effective on March 18, 2013, when the Incidental Take Permit was issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan.

THE SUCCESS STORY OF THE EAA CRITICAL PERIOD MANAGEMENT PLAN MANAGING THROUGH DROUGHT

HOW HAS CPM MADE A DIFFERENCE?

WHAT IS THE EAA CRITICAL PERIOD MANAGEMENT PLAN?

The CPM Plan is the agency’s only regulatory program that has made a big impact in water con servation by taking hundreds of acre feet of water off the table throughout the years when aquifer conditions have declined and drought is present. The most recent drought began in 2022, when rainfall was the second lowest on record for San Antonio. Paul Bertetti, EAA Senior Director for Aquifer Science Research & Modeling, shared “2022 was very dry and started a significant drought. Water levels have dropped and remained low for the past 40 months.” This past month, on May 23, 2025, the EAA made its first Stage 5 declaration for the San Antonio Pool, which impacted permit holders in Medina, Bexar, and parts of Atascosa, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal, and Hays counties. However, this reduction at the 44% (see figure 2) was calculated based on the numbers of days the pool remained in Stage 5 or any other stage in which CPM is in effect. Shortly after this declaration, the San Antonio Pool went into Stage 4 (May 29, 2025) and as of June 9, 2025 this pool is in Stage 3. The EAA encourages residents and businesses who receive their water from a public water system to follow their respective water providers’ directives regarding water use practices. The EAA does not enforce lawn watering activities or other general water limitations beyond the curtailment of withdrawals from the Edwards Aquifer. Any enforcement of such activities or limitations is enforced by a municipality. The EAA does not regulate the general public but instead regulates Edwards well owners with withdrawal permits authorizing their right to pump from the aquifer.

The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) Critical Period Man agement (CPM) Plan helps sustain aquifer and springflow levels during drought. This temporary reduction applies to permit holders across the EAA jurisdiction and is divided into different sets of stage reductions for the Uvalde Pool

and the San Antonio Pool. The CPM Plan reduces the autho rized withdrawal amounts of Edwards groundwater permit holders, which slows the rate of decline in aquifer levels and spring discharges until it rains, and the aquifer can recharge once more.

Figure 2. San Antonio Pool and Uvalde Pool Reductions for EAA CPM.

Learn about the aquifer conditions we track for the San Antonio Pool and the Uvalde Pool: https://youtu.be/EtTQkEqjV5c?si=1dd0MlWduN2eSmyc

Figure 1. Edwards Aquifer System Map

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EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

By: Larry Jackson EAA Executive Director for External & Regulatory Affairs

HELP MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR WATER HOW “BIG” CONVERSIONS

ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN OUR CENTRAL TEXAS REGION IS INCREASED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND THE DEMAND FOR WATER THAT COMES WITH THIS GROWTH.

1 ACRE-FOOT OF WATER IS EQUIVALENT TO 325,851 GALLONS OF WATER SAVED AS A RESULT OF EAA CRITICAL PERIOD MANAGEMENT. THIS MULTIPLIED BY 230,000 = 74,945,730,000 GALLONS OF WATER

Figure 1. Averaged amount of gallons of water saved over the last several years as a result of CPM.”

Subsequently, adding more subdivisions in our region does not necessarily equate to more water withdrawn from the Edwards Aquifer. To illustrate this, the EAA uses several tools to manage how permit holders withdraw water, ensuring our sus tainable resource. One such tool is the Base Irrigation Groundwater (BIG) conversion to Unrestricted Water. While this sounds complicated, it’s a process that allows our irrigator (farmer) permit holders to convert their “Base” irrigation water to “Unrestricted” water. Here’s a quick summary. During the issuance of

initial permits, an irrigation permit holder was typ ically assigned two acre-feet of water per acre of irrigated land, based on their historical water use. One acre-foot is considered “unrestricted” water, and the other is considered “base” water. Unre stricted water can be leased, sold, and bought by permit holders and used for irrigation, industrial, or municipal purposes within the EAA’s region. Base water, however, is tied to the physical land which it historically irrigated. If a farm is sold, the base water stays with the land and cannot be sold to another farm or used for any purpose other than farm irrigation.

Suppose the land on which the farm is located is developed into a subdivision or is no longer suit able for farming. In many cases, the development of land is contingent on the developer having an agreement with the public water utility to convert the base irrigation water to unrestricted, and then transfer the unrestricted water to the public water utility. When this occurs, the water transferred to the public water utility will add to their exist ing water supply, including the new development. In sum, no new water will be pumped from the Edwards Aquifer.

Many in the public are concerned that we don’t have enough water in the Edwards Aquifer to meet this demand. Also, there is a common misconception that as more development occurs, more water gets pumped from the Edwards Aqui fer, which depletes the water supply. That said, providing some facts and information about how the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) manages water in the aquifer might be helpful.

Currently, there are about 1,200 permit holders within the EAA jurisdiction, and the total pumping cap is 572,000 acre-feet. With persistent drought conditions, the authorized withdrawal amounts are curtailed (or restricted) due to our Critical Period Management Plan (CPM), which helps manage water pumping during drought. Over the last sev eral years, these restrictions have averaged about 40%, or almost 230,000 acre-feet less water pumped out of the aquifer annually.

Learn more about Base Irrigation Groundwater from Omar Garcia, EAA Senior Director for Water Resources : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bceso2AgrBU

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

By: Martin Hernandez EAA Network & Information Systems Supervisor

A NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHES THE EAA INTO ITS 29 th

ANNIVERSARY

MODERN DESIGN Clean, updated visuals for a more engaging experience.

EXPANDED TOOLS More resources for students, educators, and the public.

We’re proud to announce the launch of the newly redesigned www.edwardsaquifer.org , your go-to source for everything related to the Edwards Aquifer Authority. This major update brings a fresh, modern look and a host of improvements that make it easier than ever to stay informed and engaged with one of Texas’ most vital natural resources.

The Edwards Aquifer is a lifeline for millions of Texans, providing drinking water, supporting agriculture, and sustaining ecosystems. Our new website is designed to help you stay informed, get involved, and support the ongoing efforts to protect this precious resource.

MOBILE & ADA FRIENDLY Fully responsive and accessible for all users and devices.

ENHANCED SECURITY Improved safeguards to protect user data and site integrity.

We invite you to explore the new site, bookmark your favorite pages, and share it with your community.

SIMPLIFIED NAVIGATION Easier access to key topics and resources.

OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE Increased resources to ensure fast, reliable access at all times.

Visit us today at www.edwardsaquifer.org and see what’s new!

UPGRADED AQUIFER WIDGET Real-time aquifer data in a clearer, more visual format.

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AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES

By: Aquifer Science Staff

GOES LIVE on EDWARDSAQUIFER.ORG THE EAA’S ENVIRONMENTAL DATA PORTAL

Figure 1: The Environmental Data Portal users can select sites using an interactive map to view and download the information.

Since its inception 29 years ago this month, the EAA has understood the value of environmental data to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer. All throughout this time, EAA staff have collected a wide range of environmental data across the Edwards Aquifer region, including but not limited to rainfall, temperature, groundwater levels, and springflow. In the last five years alone, the EAA has collected more than 100 million data points at more than 190 sites. These robust data allow the EAA to monitor the health of the Edwards Aquifer system and enable rigorous modeling and research efforts that inform science-based policy. The EAA is proud to share that the Environmental Data Portal has now launched! The Environmental Data Portal allows the public to access these vetted environmental data across the Edwards Aquifer region. Users can download information from several data types including groundwater wells, rain gauges, springs and streams, and weather stations, The sites and site type can be selected through the interactive map or by site name. The por tal also connects users to information about current aquifer conditions, EAA research initiatives, and links to other valuable external data resources.

Over the last 29 years, the EAA has been collecting and sharing environ mental data with the region. The EAA not only recognizes the importance of collecting these data, but what is just as important is making them available for public use. With tools like Environmental Data Portal, the EAA hopes that data can be more widely used by citizens and scientists alike to learn more about this unique resource and manage it sustainably for future generations.

“We are excited to offer up our continuous environmental data to the public and will continue to add more sites going forward,” says Bryan Anderson,

Director of the EAA’s Data Management Team and lead for the Environmental Data Portal.

“This data portal would not be possible without our dedicated Data Management Team, especially our Principal Data Analyst, Newfel Mazari.”

See more details by visitng our environmental data portal page: https://data.edwardsaquifer.org/

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EDWARDS AQUIFER HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (EAHCP)

By: EAHCP Staff

RE-CREATING

NEW FEDERAL PERMIT APPLICATION TO INCLUDE ENHANCED RIVER RECREATION RULES RECREATION

ALLOWING PEOPLE TO RECREATE ON THE SAN MARCOS RIVER HAS

about these changes and with advanced notice that fines would be implemented in 2025 for violations. It is still early in this year’s peak recreation season, so we’re still tracking how the new regulations are being followed. Ultimately, compliance is our goal. So, if we warn someone about a problem, we would rather they comply than forcing park rangers to fine them and escorting them out of the park.” With increased restrictions on recreational activities along the river, there is an associated cost for being able to enforce new ordinances. Enders talked about the City of San Marcos reworking some of the local riverfront parking lots to enable the city to charge nonresidents a fee for parking. The City of San Mar cos recently released the entire schedule for * parking fees . Parking fees will be used to help fund staffing, improvements or litter cleanup within City parks. The paid parking at City Park will start July 1. Another major development on the San Marcos rec reation front is the installation of fencing around Rio Vista Park, the city’s busiest riverfront park. There are some small water falls there with flat terrain that makes it a very popular place to enjoy the year-round 72-degree water in the spring-fed river. There will be approximately five gated access points to funnel

Enders explained that the first 13 years of working on this issue within the EAHCP, which is linked to a Fed eral Incidental Take Permit, will likely be a bit differ ent for the renewed EAHCP permit expected to occur in two years. The new permit request will be for 30 years rather than current permit’s 15-year length. The longer permit request paired with continued popula tion growth and popularity of recreation in the San Marcos River is likely to cause policy makers to enact stricter management measures regarding river access and usage, especially during prolonged drought peri ods when river flows are low. “The * single use disposable beverage container ordinance authorized by the San Marcos City Coun cil in 2024 is one such action that changes what people can bring to the river,” Enders noted. “Last summer, San Marcos enacted this ordinance in which river patrons are permitted to use only reusable drink containers on the river, along the banks of the river and in designated areas within City Parks, also known as * ‘No Zones .’ Additionally, each person is permit ted one cooler/ice chest of less than 30 quarts within the No Zones and within the river. We also estab lished ‘Go Zones’ where fixed picnic tables, away from river banks, are located and less prone to hav ing trash blown into the river on windy days. Over the past 12 months we have been informing the public

visitors into Rio Vista. Park Ambassadors will man the gates to greet guests and screen what is being brought into the park as well as talk to visitors about the envi ronmental sensitivities of this section of the river.

multi-year drought, it has been a few years since river-goers have had access to the Eastern Spillway above Sewell Park. “The Eastern Spillway provides great habitat for endangered San Marcos salamander, fountain darter and Texas-wild rice. And even though we have had this area ‘temporarily’ closed for some time, we are wanting to permanently shut this part of the river off from tubers and waders as part of the new Hab itat Conservation Plan which will be the basis for a renewed federal permit. That is a major change for river management here, but we think it is necessary due to its importance to sustaining endangered spe cies populations”. Enders stated the most interesting and promising part of this evolution of how they manage recreation on the San Marcos River is that as situations neg atively impacting the environment have occurred, responsible parties have taken necessary actions to mitigate those problems. The situation with Rio Vista Park is a perfect example. As City staff and environ mental program managers saw significant increases in numbers of visitors, they documented the associ ated levels of litter and trampling of riparian areas, and then took steps to control access to the park. The recent fencing of Rio Vista illustrates a type

of higher level of protections that can be taken to ensure ecosystem sustainability despite increased popularity of the park. “As we’re trying to discern what recreation in the San Marcos River will look like in 30 years, we’ve learned that success of any program needs to be implemented collaboratively,” Enders concluded. “The entire EAHCP team is really focused on helping us in San Marcos. The City Council understands the balance required in protecting endangered species while still inviting tourists from all over the state to come here and enjoy this natural wonder. The stu dents and faculty at Texas State are equally invested in high-level research as well as one-on-one relation ship building with visitors. And the whole team has demonstrated its willingness to address issues, at the level required, knowing that it is our duty to protect these amazing natural resources well into the future.”

But, in today’s environment with continuing popula tion growth, increasing popularity of floating the San Marcos River and increasing need to protect the en dangered species and their habitat in the San Marcos River, environmental stewards and policy makers alike are working together to re-create how recreation occurs in and along the river. “From the very beginning of the Edwards Region’s planning processes aimed at protecting endangered species in the Comal River and San Marcos River, managing recreation has been a constant topic of dis cussion and policy making,” said Mark Enders, City of San Marcos Habitat Conservation Plan Manager. “In fact, there is an active list of recreation management measures written into the current Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP). There are struc tural types of controls like dedicated stabilized river access areas and fencing that restrict access to the river as well as ongoing educational activities like com municating with visitors about endangered species and how they can help us protect them.” BEEN A CENTERPIECE OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS’ APPEAL FOR DECADES.

“People have been coming to the river from all over the state for decades and they’ve brought all sorts of things like charcoal grills, alcohol and all types of con tainers,” Enders said. “The ambassadors at the park entrances will improve compliance by explaining that those types of things are no longer allowed and why the changes are being made. That goes to the notion of getting people to voluntarily comply and understand why it is important before they enter the park rather than having to get aggressive with fines after they’ve set up all of their gear. It will just work better for every one if we address park rules before visitors possibly have their fun interrupted by a park ranger.” One particularly sensitive area of the San Marcos River known as the “Eastern Spillway” is being eyed for permanent closure. That location is where water from Spring Lake flows into the San Marcos River. Enders explained that the State of Texas allows the City to cordon areas like that with buoys and other controls when the San Marcos Springs flow less than 120 cubic feet per second. With the ongoing

To learn more about these recreation management measures, please visit the May June newsletter from the EAHCP Steward at https://www.eahcpsteward.org/

* parking:

* containers:

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EAA EOC

By: EAA EOC Staff

Visit us and leave your review at:

Read our blog.

NEW FACES AND FEATURES AT THE EOC A Fresh Finish

Looking Ahead: New Tools, New Learning This school year wasn’t just about new people—it was also about new tools for learning! We installed a weather station in the front window of the building, allowing students to engage with real-time weather data. Additionally, our new bird wall , located to the left of the main entrance, invites visitors to identify and learn about local bird species. These installations support informal learn ing opportunities even when students are simply exploring the grounds. April was a particularly busy month, with 858 students visiting the center. Unsurprisingly, the Topo Box emerged as a clear favorite, inspiring awe and questions from nearly every group. Our newest educator, Elizabeth Gutierrez, also introduced a dynamic new activity called The Incredible Journey . This simulation guides students through the stages of the water cycle, helping them understand where water travels and how it is stored in a fun and immer sive way to learn about our planet’s most precious resource.

As we wrap up the school year, we celebrate not only the growth in our visi tor numbers, but also the growth in knowledge, curiosity, and environmental stewardship we see in each person who walks through our doors. Thank you to everyone—staff, volunteers, educators, and visitors—who made this semester one to remember.

During the 2024-2025 School Year, the Edwards Aquifer Education Outreach Cen ter welcomed more than 5,000 visitors, children, parents, teachers, and even a few curious neighbors. Each visit was an opportunity to spark curiosity, deepen under standing, and celebrate the natural resources of our region. This spring brought exciting additions to our center. In April, we unveiled two new exhibits: the Topo Box and Garden Sensory Bins. The Topo Box, a hands-on exhibit that lets visitors explore topography and visualize water flow across vari ous landscapes, captivated students and adults alike. Just outside, our younger guests delighted in the Garden Sensory Bins—an interactive outdoor exhibit that encourages tactile exploration and creative play. Both exhibits have quickly become favorites.

Our programming was made even richer by the generous contributions of volunteers and interns. This semester, we were fortunate to welcome Coco Brennan, who fasci nated children with her presentations on bats. Master Naturalist and gardener John Williams brought his expertise to our outdoor spaces, enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of our gardens. Dedicated educators like Sharon Tomme, Pamela Peck, and many others continued to guide students in learning about water conservation and the Edwards Aquifer through engaging lessons and activities. We also expanded our team of work-study interns from the Alamo Community College District, adding two new students: Alcee Vickery and Mayla Juarez. Their energy, creativity, and commitment have brought fresh perspectives to our programs.

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!

Education Outreach Center Summer Hours: The EAA EOC is open Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 5 PM. On Friday’s the center will be open from 10 AM to 7 PM now through Friday, August 29 (except July 4). Admission is free. Go to eaaeoc.org to schedule your visit.

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EAA OUTREACH

By: Nikki Young EAA Senior Community Engagement Administrator

29 YEARS OF OUTREACH HAS BUILT A CULTURE OF CONSERVATION HOW

TELL, SHOW, SHARE.

At the Edwards Aquifer Authority, science drives our mission — but it’s storytelling that brings it to life. Now in its 29th year, the EAA has evolved far beyond regulatory oversight. Through dynamic outreach programs — ranging from classroom visits to community events — our agency is building aquifer awareness that’s engaging, enduring, and essential to long-term sustainability.

“Every interaction is a chance to build understanding — and that awareness builds stewardship.” Michael De La Garza, Executive Director of Communications and Development

lecture halls. These engagements spark curiosity, reinforce water literacy, and help shape future stew ards of the aquifer. Flagship events like the Edwards Aquifer Summit and the Public Office Candidate Information Session offer something rare: direct dialogue between our leadership and the public. These gatherings allow policymakers, elected officials, and emerging community leaders to hear from our scientists and staff firsthand— creating space for transparency, trust-building, and meaningful engagement.

The challenges of drought, climate shifts, and growing demand make these exchanges more important than ever. EAA’s work is rooted in science, driven by ser vice, and brought to life through community-focused communication—helping people understand not just how the aquifer works, but why its protection matters. Partnerships and sponsorships further amplify our mission. Whether we’re supporting trail runs, eco-fo cused fundraising and awareness events, or educa tional initiatives that foster S.T.E.A.M. learning and environmental responsibility, we show up not just to participate, but to connect in meaningful ways.

“Our outreach is strongest when we’re embedded in the communities we serve,” De La Garza added. “When we collaborate with others who care about sustainability, aquifer awareness becomes part of a much larger movement.” Our outreach toolkit includes the Recharge Zone podcast, which explores the unique nature of the Edwards Aquifer and the people behind its protection; Aquifer In-Sight , our YouTube-based news maga zine program; and dynamic social media storytelling that brings the aquifer to life in real time. And through features like this one in NewsDrop , we continue to share timely stories that inform and inspire.

We also engage the public directly through new initia tives like our Rooted in Saving Water Calendar Photo Contest — encouraging residents to share their drought-smart practices and water-saving solu tions through inspiring images. But while these tools help us tell our story, it’s the people we connect with who keep the story going. Every student who asks a question, every resident who shares a post, every leader who walks away with a deeper understanding—each one becomes a story teller in their own right. As awareness of the aquifer grows, so does a shared commitment to its protec tion. Because safeguarding the aquifer isn’t just our responsibility—it’s everyone’s. And together, we’re

building a culture of conservation that reaches far beyond a single message or event.

As we celebrate 29 years of science and service, we reflect with pride on how far we’ve come—but more importantly, we look ahead with intention. The story of the aquifer is still being written, and every connection we make helps shape its next chapter. With each new voice that joins the effort, awareness deepens, and the responsibility to protect this vital resource becomes more widely shared. Here’s to the storytellers —past, present, and future—who will continue to honor and safeguard the aquifer for gen erations to come.

From tablings at resource fairs to hosting drive through plant pickup events, our outreach efforts offer more than just information. They create moments of meaning — opportunities for people to connect with the aquifer and see themselves in its story. Our Speaker’s Bureau program continues to be a vital tool, connecting EAA experts with students of all ages — from elementary classrooms to university

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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.

Roland Ruiz EAA General Manager

ANNIVERSARY EDITION

You can listen to this podcast everywhere podcasts are available.

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

Visit our website for instructions on how to enter our contest!

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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