NewsDrop-March-April-2026

GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Roland Ruiz General Manager

OUR MISSION TO MANAGE , ENHANCE AND PROTECT THE EDWARDS AQUIFER SYSTEM

IS DERIVED FROM OUR ENABLING STATUTE, THE EAA ACT.

IN 1993, t hat legislation in the form of Senate Bill 1477 articulated a clear directive as to how we were to control use of the aquifer, and why. This is what the legislature said in its findings and declaration of policy:

“The legislature finds that the Edwards Aquifer is a unique and complex hydrological system, with diverse economic and social interests dependent on the aquifer for water supply. In keeping with that finding, the Edwards Aquifer is declared to be a distinctive natural resource in this state, and unique aquifer, and not an underground stream. To sustain these diverse interests and the natural resource, a special regional management district is required for the effective control of the resource to protect terrestrial and aquatic life, domestic and municipal water supplies, the operation of existing industries, and the economic development of the state. Use of water in the district for beneficial purposes requires that all reasonable measures be taken to be conservative in water use.”

In this issue of the NewsDrop, as in every issue we publish, you see highlights of our mission at work carried out by various people in various ways and places. These snapshots help illustrate how our work has evolved over three decades and, more importantly, how it continues to make a positive impact for the people who rely on the aquifer for their water supply.

Today, these words are demonstrated in our daily work. And the effects of this collective body of work is evident in the sustainability of the aquifer itself and the waters that emanate from it through wells for human use and through the Comal and San Marcos springs for protected species habitats. In this way, we manage, enhance and protect in a balanced approach for the benefit of all users and uses of the aquifer – domestic, municipal, agricultural, industrial supplies as well as environmental obligations under federal law. As a result, the region has become more drought resilient, is able to plan water supplies appropriately for a growing population and can better anticipate and prepare for an uncertain climate in the future.

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