NewsDrop-Oct_Nov-2025

ISSUE 5 - OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

EAA GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS RECHARGE ZONE PROTECTION A visual timeline. PAGE16

AQUIFER UPDATE

THE EAA MISSION TO MANAGE, ENHANCE, AND PROTECT THE EDWARDS AQUIFER SYSTEM Seems straightforward on its surface. PAGE 4

AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES THE HISTORY & SCIENCE

EAA OUTREACH 3,000 PLANTS. 50 PHOTOS. 1 AQUIFER. The EAA made the numbers tell a story. PAGE 22 EDWARDS AQUIFER HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN GOT THE MEMO EAHCP permit renewal team working toward completion of key memos this year. PAGE 20 AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES EAA SHOWCASES SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH GSA Connects 2025. PAGE 18

PAGE 6 Behind Critical Period Management.

WATER RESOURCES PERMIT HOLDERS OF THE EAA REGION 186 billion gallons of water – that’s the pumping

cap the EAA manages. PAGE 10

WATER RESOURCES TWDB GRANT The EAA to award a total of $600,000 in grant projects this year. PAGE 12

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.

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

REGULATORY AFFAIRS

EAA EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER # 1 FIELD TRIP DESTINATION Water, Science, and Conservation. PAGE 24

SAFEGUARDING THE EDWARDS AQUIFER Locating and assessing abandoned wells. PAGE 14

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

By: Roland Ruiz General Manager

THE EAA MISSION TO MANAGE, ENHANCE, AND PROTECT THE EDWARDS AQUIFER SYSTEM SEEMS STRAIGHTFORWARD ON ITS SURFACE.

BUT UNDERLYING THESE THREE SIMPLE WORDS IS AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF MOVING PIECES AND PEOPLE WORKING TO KEEP THE MISSION “MACHINE” MOVING FORWARD.

“Connecting the dots” as to how these divergent-yet-complementary parts and people come together to support each other and sustain our work must be at the heart of the story we tell every day. We are compelled to do this by a his tory that has taught us that assuring sustainability for both the aquifer and our organization is best achieved through relationships framed by collaboration around a clearly articulated mission. This, in part, is what we try to do through the pages of each edition of the News Drop Newsletter, including this one.

Within this publication, and through every form of communication, messaging and engagement with you, our stakeholders, we strive to illustrate the who, what, how and why of our work. In doing so, we invite you to be part of the process as stewards, advocates and partners to manage, enhance and protect the Edwards Aquifer.

This includes regulatory and conservation programs; research and science-based monitoring and data collection activities; educational and community outreach; species protection efforts; and operational and business functions that are fundamental to any successful organization. All this, and more, is what is required to carry out our mission day to day.

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AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES

By: Mark Hamilton Executive Director for Aquifer Management Services

BEHIND CRITICAL PERIOD MANAGEMENT THE HISTORY & SCIENCE INTEGRAL TO MANAGING THE AQUIFER IS REGULATING HOW MUCH WATER CAN BE WITHDRAWN ANNUALLY. MANAGING WITHDRAWALS IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH A PERMITTING PROCESS, IN WHICH USERS OF THE RESOURCE MUST HAVE A GROUNDWATER PERMIT.

Figure 2: Current Summary Charts of CPM Trigger Levels for the San Antonio and Uvalde Pools .

Developing CPM and other Conservation Measures CPM is one of the primary management tools that ensures protection of flows at Comal and San Marcos springs in a repeat of the historical 1950’s drought, or drought of record (DOR). Other management tools, generally referred to as conservation measures, are utilized in addition to CPM to maintain water levels and springflows during severe drought as well. The other measures are: • Voluntary Irrigation Suspension Program Option (VISPO) – this is a program designed to compen sate holders of irrigation permits that enroll in the program. Compensation is either for enrollment (standby payment) or forbearance of water, result ing in a larger payment to participants. VISPO is triggered in the calendar year following any year in which water levels at J-17 are at or below 635 ft-msl on October 1. When triggered, VISPO accounts for approximately 40,000 ac-ft of forbearance from use to maintain aquifer water levels. • Regional Conservation is another conservation measure in which 10,067 ac-ft of water is con served regionally for the duration of the EAHCP.

through 2008, the San Antonio Pool CPM triggered when aquifer levels, as measured at the Bexar County index well (J-17), dropped below 650 ft-msl, or when flows at Comal or San Marcos springs went below 220 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 110 cfs respectively. The Uvalde Pool CPM triggered when water levels at the Uvalde County index well (J-27) dropped below 845 ft-msl. The Uvalde Pool in this early inception of the rules was limited to Stage III and Stage IV; no permit reductions were required until the Stage III level was reached. These initial rules are summarized in figure 1. In May of 2007, the legislature amended the cap from 400,000 ac-ft to 572,000 ac-ft to accommo date the total number of applications for permits, based on historical use. This resulted in a rule change for CPM, which was enacted in 2008 by the EAA. CPM trigger levels for the San Antonio and Uvalde pools as well as the percentages of permit reductions were changed. Beginning in 2008, CPM was triggered when the ten-day average water level at J-17 reached 660 ft-msl (rather than the previous 650 ft-msl value). Permit reductions started with a 20 percent reduction at Stage I and increased to a

40 percent reduction in Stage IV. Springflow triggers were also amended and started at 225 cfs and 96 cfs at Comal and San Marcos springs, respectively. Sim ilarly, trigger levels in the Uvalde Pool were amended. Starting with CPM reductions at a Stage II level, when the 10-day average at J-27 drops below 850 ft-msl and increasing to a 35 percent reduction in Stage IV. Critical Period Today In 2013, CPM was amended again under the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP). CPM stage 5 was added and resulted in an additional 4 percent permit reduction for a total of 44-percent in both the San Antonio and Uvalde pools. Stage 5 CPM triggers when the San Antonio Pool reaches a ten-day average level of 625 ft-msl at J-17, or flows at Comal Springs drop below a ten-day average of 45 cfs, or a three-day average of 40 cfs., Stage 5 CPM trig gers in the Uvalde Pool when J-27 drops below 840 ft-msl. Current CPM trigger levels are summarized graphically in figure 2. Today, groundwater permit holders are familiar with the five CPM stages and the associated cutbacks of their permits; however, many stakeholders may not be familiar with how these metrics were developed.

Figure 1: Initial CPM Trigger Levels Critical Period as Amended in 2007

Critical Period – In the Beginning CPM was initially adopted in 2002 as a tool for managing groundwater withdrawals during periodic droughts. One of the goals of CPM is to maintain springflow at Comal and San Marcos springs suffi cient to protect threatened and endangered species during drought. Initially, CPM consisted of four stages of groundwater permit reductions ranging from 5 to 23-percent in the San Antonio Pool, and 15 to 23-percent in the Uvalde Pool. For the period 2002

The total volume of permitted withdrawals is capped at 572,000 acre-feet per year (ac-ft/yr) of water. Permit ted withdrawals (water withdrawn from the aquifer associated with a permit) are subject to reductions depending on aquifer levels. This summary discusses the history and science behind the EAA’s Critical Period Management (CPM) process, which is the regulatory program associated with reduction of per mitted withdrawals and a primary conservation measure used to manage the aquifer.

One acre-foot of water is equivalent to approximately 325,851 gallons of water or about the size of a football field filled with water one foot in depth.

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AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES

By: Mark Hamilton Executive Director for Aquifer Management Services

evaluated for impacts to sustained springflows during a hypothetical repeat of the DOR. The objective of the “Bottom Up” analysis is to assess whether the targeted minimum springflow requirements of the EAHCP would be met during a repeat of the DOR. To be considered effective, the combined conserva tion measures had to be sufficient to produce model results that showed a minimum flow of 30 cfs at Comal Springs, and 45 cfs at San Marcos Springs during the peak of the DOR and under maximum per mitted withdrawals for the aquifer conditions. Result from the groundwater modeling provided guidance on the timing and magnitude of certain conservations measures. For example, the goals for VISPO leasing and the timing of SAWS ASR use were adjusted to ensure the springflow targets could be met. Modeling relies on data. For the EAA models, regional water levels, pumping, springflow, recharge, and other aquifer data are used for a period of record dating back to the late 1940’s and extending through 2022.

The EAA has invested heavily in both improved and more extensive data sets over the last twenty-plus years. These data are and will continue to be integral to future modeling efforts as well as in managing the resource. Managing the resource will provide contin ued certainty to EAA’s permit holders while complying with the EAHCP and related efforts to maintain flows for threatened and endangered species at Comal and San Marcos springs. Conclusion Critical Period Management and other conservation measures are necessary for sustainable manage ment of the aquifer system. The permitting system, combined with extensive data collection and mod eling efforts allow permit holders to maximize use, while aquifer levels are also maintained sufficiently to sustain springflows. Without a system in place to measure and limit withdrawals, aquifer levels would be far lower during extended periods of drought than without these measures. Modeling data indicates

that without the management system summarized in this document, Comal Springs would periodically go dry due to increased demand for water in the region, especially when combined with the frequency of short duration, high intensity droughts. For example, pumping from the aquifer increased from approximately 170,000 ac-ft/yr in the 1940’s, to about 540,000 ac-ft/yr in the 1980’s. Since the implementation of EAA’s permitting system, CPM, and other conservation measures, pumping has averaged about 350,000 ac-ft annually for the period 2013 2023. Management of the resources through the measures discussed herein has proven to be a suc cess. The success is largely due to the administrative implementation of a permitting system, collection and analyses of many years of aquifer-related data, and complex groundwater modeling efforts.

This measure is achieved via leak detection programs, upgraded irrigation systems, public awareness/education, water conserving plumbing fixtures, and similar efforts. • San Antonio Water Systems (SAWS) Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) – the ASR provides for long term storage of water in the Carrizo Aquifer. Edwards Aquifer water is conveyed to the ASR via the SAWS distribution network. This stored water can be used in times of critical drought to reduce demand on the Edwards Aquifer by retrieving stored water and introducing it back into the distribution system when needed most. Through the EAHCP and contrac tual agreements with SAWS, the EAA has stored 126,000 ac-ft of water for use in filling the ASR. ASR water use is triggered when the five-year rolling average of annual aquifer recharge drops below 500,000 ac-ft and aquifer levels at J-17 fall below 630 ft-msl.

• CPM Stage 5 – this measure is the most stringent of the CPM stages and is reserved for drought condi tions that are severe and have a likelihood of signifi cantly impacting springflows. The permit reductions associated with Stage 5 total 44 percent. Meaning, a groundwater use permit of 100 ac-ft would be reduced to 66 ac-ft if stage 5 reductions were in effect for an entire year. These conservation measures are necessary for the protection of springflows should a repeat of the DOR occur. Because it is enacted early in a drought sequence, CPM provides a first line of defense in maintaining aquifer water levels and springflows by managing permitted withdrawals from the system. The CPM-related permit reduc tions and the other conservation measures were extensively evaluated using multiple versions of a numerical groundwater flow model developed for the EAA. The EAA’s original groundwater model was completed in 2004 and was used extensively

to evaluate and develop management practices and conservation measures.

This initial model was focused primarily on a model ing period between 1947 and 2000. Over time, the conceptual understanding of the aquifer system has continued to improve through collection and analy ses of new data. As a result, the original model was revised in 2017 to incorporate new high-quality data and to include newer understanding of the aquifer’s characteristics. The revised groundwater model was calibrated for the years 2001 to 2011 and validated using data through 2015. The most well known modeling effort related to conservation measures is often referred to as the “Bottom Up” analyses, in which each of these con servation measures are layered into scenarios across the modeling period (which includes the drought of record). The measures are included in the groundwa ter model essentially in the order they are listed and

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WATER RESOURCES

By: Omar Garcia Senior Director for Water Resources

PERMIT HOLDERS OF THE EAA REGION WHY MANAGING GROUNDWATER WITHDRAWALS IS CRITICAL TO THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER

This chart represents a breakdown of use by permit type for Edwards Aquifer permit holders.

Historical pumping by permit type since 2008.

186 billion gallons of water per year - that’s the pumping cap the EAA manages for approximately two-and-one-half million South Central Texans. Cities, business owners, and farmers represent permit holders authorized to withdraw water from the Edwards Aquifer through their water rights per mits. It is through tracking these permits that we can effectively manage the total amount of water being withdrawn from the aquifer.

its flow. Therefore, it is through tracking withdraws closely that we can prevent over-pumping, which could lead to aquifer depletion or damage to depen dent ecosystems. Most importantly, responsible water rights permitting provides fair and balanced groundwater use for everyone. Currently, Edwards Aquifer permit holders are authorized to withdraw a total of 572,000 acre feet per year. To date, our permit holders have never withdrawn one drop more.

In 2024, due to drought conditions, permit holders in the San Antonio Pool were required to reduce or curtail their total withdrawals by 36.4%, and 38.9% for permit holders in the Uvalde Pool. This brought the total water available for permit holders to with draw from 572,000 acre-feet to just over 362,000 acre-feet. The actual withdraws from the aquifer in 2024 totaled 300,000 acre-feet.

Since 2008, when the pumping cap for permit hold ers was increased to 572,000 acre-feet per year, annual use has been trending downward despite pop ulation growth and economic development throughout the region. This is primarily due to water withdrawal curtailments from drought management programs and related conservation measures, such as: Critical Period Management (CPM), Edwards Aquifer Habi tat Conservation Plan (EAHCP), Voluntary Irrigation Suspension Program (VISPO), Aquifer Storage and

Recovery (ASR) Springflow Protection enrollment, and on-going water supply diversification initiatives by municipal permit holders. Through these efforts and a carefully maintained per mitting system, working hand-in-hand with our permit holders and community partners, we can ensure this vital resource remains healthy and sustainable for generations to come.

Our agency is entrusted to monitor and preserve the unique springs and ecosystems that depend on

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WATER RESOURCES

By: Isabel Martinez Senior Permit & Conservation Coordinator

TWDB GRANT

SINCE THE CREATION OF THE IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, WHICH IS THE EAA’S GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM, THE EAA HAS PARTNERED WITH VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP THE REGION’S AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS INCREASE THEIR WATER SAVINGS FOR TEXAS WHILE RAISING THEIR CROPS.

The projects that were made possible from the collaboration between the TWDB, the EAA and the producers allowed approximately 1,501 acre-feet in water sav ings (or almost 489 million gallons). In July 2025, the TWDB announced that the EAA would receive $300,000 in grant funding for the Irrigation Efficiency Improvement Program thus allowing the EAA to award a total of $600,000 in grant projects this year which would save an estimated 600 acre-feet of water. This summer, TWDB staff from the Agricultural Water Conservation Depart ment traveled to San Antonio to visit with EAA staff, learn about the research performed at the Field Research Park (FRP), and tour the Education Outreach Center (EOC). EAA Aquifer Management Services staff Mark Hamilton, Brent Doty, Thomas Marsalia, and Rebecca Nunu accompanied our visitors at the FRP

and explained the various land management and soil restoration projects being studied for their potential for groundwater sustainability. Elizabeth Gutierrez, STEAM Outreach Educator II, from the Communications & Development team then guided them on a tour of the EOC where they were able to engage with the center’s interactive learning stations and learn about the presentations EOC visi tors experience. Last but least, TWDB staff also visited with a local farmer who received an EAA grant for a new overhead sprinkler system. This allowed staff to witness first hand how their funding has contributed to helping agricultural communities, improve water savings, and promote effective water management, which will hopefully lead to more partnership opportunities in the future.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has been one of those agencies who has supported the grant program for several years. The TWDB manages the Agriculture Water Conservation Grant program which offers grant funding for agriculturally focused water saving projects, such as improving irrigation efficiencies through the purchase of new irrigation equipment. It is through this program that the TWDB supported the EAA’s conservation grant program with supplemental funding to replace and improve irrigation methods in the region’s farming communities.

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REGULATORY AFFAIRS

By: Roger Andrade Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs BY ASSESSING WELL CONDITIONS SAFEGUARDING THE EDWARDS AQUIFER

In the case of groundwater wells, what goes down eventually comes up. That’s why locating, assessing, and helping well owners develop a plan for addressing abandoned or deteriorated wells is a priority for EAA. Abandoned and deteriorated wells can potentially pose a risk to Edwards Aquifer water quality, because often times they are eroded and in poor condition. At our agency, staff from the Regulatory Affairs Department make great efforts to help provide critical guidance to affected property owners and their contractors when it comes to identifying the condition of a well. Laurel Torres, Groundwater Regulation Manager for the EAA, oversees the team responsible for identifying abandoned wells and properly notifying property owners of any well issues on their properties. Her team members, Mariah Bonham, Richard Gonzalez, Joe Gonzales, and Jeff Robinson, conduct extensive research regarding well information. It is through the collaborative support between a well owner and our agency that we are able to

provide background knowledge regarding their abandoned well, what classifies a well as abandoned, and the steps they need to go through to properly resolve their abandoned well issues. Staff have played significant roles in successfully influencing and guiding property owners towards the proper remediation of wells through various pro cesses. This ultimately leads to a property owner and their contractors adher ing to regulatory requirements for continued use or applying for EAA Plugging or Capping permits. Over the past 7 years we have found great success in working side by side with well owners and their contractors and 426 aban doned Edwards Aquifer well issues have been resolved.

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EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

By: Kyle Craig Recharge Zone Regulations Manager

RECHARGE ZONE PROTECTION

The Recharge Zone Protection (RZP) team at the EAA monitors the storage of regulated substances on the Recharge Zone and specific portions of the Contributing Zone. This team is tasked with protect ing and preventing pollution from entering the aquifer through pres ervation of existing and potential groundwater use. This Recharge Zone is a sensitive feature of the Edwards Aquifer where approximately 1,250 square miles of Edwards Limestone is exposed at the ground surface and composes this part of the system where water enters the Aquifer. Learn more about RZP by reviewing our timeline of how this critical work has evolved over time.

DECEMBER 2007 – ON DECEMBER 25, 2007

OCTOBER 2002

MARCH 2008

JULY 2008

JUNE 2010

NOVEMBER 2012

• Board approved ch. 713 Subchapter G: Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) and Underground Storage Tank (UST) Rules.

• Board approved ch 713 Subchapter F (Hazardous Substances Registration, Storage, and Planning) as a result of Mulchie fire.

“Mulchie” fire occurred in Helotes that burned for 3 months on the edge of the Recharge Zone.

• Board approved ch. 713 Subchapter G rules to require registration of ASTs and USTs on the Recharge Zone.

• Board revised ch 713 Subchapter F rules that require facilities on the Recharge Zone that store certain quantities to take measures to prevent the potential con tamination from reaching the aquifer in the event of fire.

• Board approved revision of Subchapter G Rules that allowed installation of new ASTs with tertiary containment.

• Beginning of “Capacity” Rule

• New USTs are allowed through the transfer of capacity (Cap and trade system began).

• Prohibition on new ASTs and USTs

SINCE 2016

DECEMBER 2016

Recharge Zone Protection focuses less on direct AST Plan submission to the EAA, and more on frequency of inspections at facilities. This approach puts less emphasis on EAA review and approval and more emphasis on ensuring that ASTs and USTs are working properly with a less of chance of unnoticed leaks or spills that may contaminating the aquifer.

• Required registration of ASTs and USTs on the Contributing Zone.

• Board approved revision of Subchapter G Rules:

• Revision of Subchapter F Rules that removed the requirement for facilities on the Recharge Zone that store certain quantities to take measures to prevent the potential contamination from reaching the aquifer in the event of fire.

• Allowed installation of new ATSs with secondary containment.

Tanks Located over the Recharge Zone that the EAA monitors: USTs: 247 ASTs: 451

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AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES

By: Rebecca Nunu Principal Geoscientist

EAA SHOWCASES SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH AT GSA CONNECTS 2025

Each year, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) participates in the Geological Society of America (GSA) Connects meeting to share innovative geoscience research and collaborate with experts from across the country. This year’s GSA conference was held October 19–22 in San Antonio. EAA’s Aquifer Science Research and Modeling team partnered with GSA Connects Cast, an event video production company, to produce a five-minute video highlighting our ongoing research initiatives. The video features staff interviews and footage from the EAA Main Office, Camden Laboratory, and Field Research Park, and showcases three sustainability-oriented case studies:

• Modeling Aquifer Sustainability Under a Changing Climate -- Using AI and machine learning, we integrate regional climate projections to predict future recharge rates, water levels, and springflows, helping us better prepare for drought and evaluate mitigation strategies. • Measuring the Impacts of Nature-Based Land Management -- Through long-term monitoring at the Field Research Park, we use tools like geophysics, drones, and soil instrumentation to understand how nature-based solutions can improve water quantity and quality.

• Tracking Emerging Contaminants in a Growing Region -- With development increasing near the aquifer’s recharge zone, we study emerging contam inants like PFAS and wastewater impacts, combining expanded water quality monitoring with hydrogeologic modeling to better understand how pollutants move through this complex karst system. In addition to the video being shown at GSA Connects, EAA had a strong presence at the conference. EAA staff hosted a technical session on the Edwards Aquifer, led and participated in field trips, and delivered numerous talks throughout the conference, capitalizing on more opportunities to share our work and collaborate with the broader geoscience community.

Watch our GSA Connects video on the EAA’s official YouTube Channel by scanning the QR code below:

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EDWARDS AQUIFER HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (EAHCP)

By: EAHCP

EAHCP PERMIT RENEWAL TEAM WORKING TOWARD COMPLETION OF KEY MEMOS THIS YEAR GOT THE MEMO

be known just because [the authors] were at the beginning of something new for the Edwards Aqui fer region.” Bare pointed out that some forward thinking went into the development of the adaptive management process to provide for species protections over a long period of time. Adaptive management essentially gives the EAHCP a way to adjust conservation measures as things are learned from targeted applied research and monitoring. That type of flexibility will be needed even more as the new permit is proposed to have a 30-year term, which is twice as long as the current one. “Constant learning and adapting to that new knowl edge is key to everything we do,” noted Ed Oborny, a BIO-WEST principal contracted to assist with the EAHCP. “One of the best examples of that has occurred in recent years as we’ve seen extremely low flows in the Comal Springs and San Marcos Springs. All of the information we gathered about how the endangered species endured during this intense drought period will be put to use in the update of the adaptive management and habitat monitoring pro cesses we implement in the future.” In Oborny’s account about information gathering on species protections, he related that the team is proposing to change the current method of species take assessment to one that focuses on analyzing

habitat conditions. He also mentioned that there will be additional evaluation on how recreation activities at various springflow levels impact endangered species habitat. Higher springflows produce deeper waters and so people swimming and floating in the rivers have less contact with endangered species habitats. Yet, recreational impacts, albeit less, still occur. Lower springflows produce the opposite effect on water depth and thus often result in greater impacts from people in the river. “One important step forward, many people expressed interest in, is vegetation mapping of all types of plants in approximately 10 miles of river associated with endangered species habitat,” Oborny said. “The current permit requires mapping of these areas of the Comal and San Marcos rivers every five years. In the next permit [term], we are anticipating that mapping will occur every spring. That enhanced vegetation mapping program will work hand-in-hand with the new take assessment recommendations, since those assessments will be based on the health of species habitats.” “Developing a habitat conservation plan is a difficult process,” Sweikert concluded. “The Edwards Aquifer HCP is even more of a challenge given the ecosys tem’s complexities, the large geographical area it covers, and the corresponding number of permittees needed for implementing the program. The bottom

line for success still has to be in balancing the com prehensive nature of protecting endangered species and habitats while still allowing human interaction such as pumping from the Edwards Aquifer to provide water for cities and aquatic recreation in the spring fed rivers.” The USFWS is responsible for implementing the Endangered Species Act across the country. Since there are endangered species living in the Edwards Aquifer ecosystem and there are multiple users of the Edwards Aquifer, the region has two options. Either significantly change their use to avoid impacts to those species or request an Incidental Take Per mit (ITP) to be allowed to impact those species by continuing to withdraw water from the aquifer over time. The first ITP was issued in 2013 and will be effective until March, 2028. The ITP renewal applica tion will be submitted well in advance of the existing ITP’s expiration date, to allow the USFWS to review the application and conduct its own National Envi ronmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Having an ITP also means that, as long as the permittees are follow ing the federally approved HCP, the USFWS cannot require additional conservation for the covered species during the permit’s lifetime.

“In fact, there are three very significant memos relat ing to key components of the 2028 permit [renewal HCP] draft we should talk about,” said Lily Sweikert, Deputy EAHCP Project Manager with the consulting firm ICF. “In May of this year, the team completed a Conservation Measures Memo. While most of the proposed changes to the conservation strategies were agreed upon by stakeholders, committees and the EAHCP Implementing Committee, there are still a few items to wrap up there. In July, we completed the Take Assessment Memo, which outlines some changes in how we gauge effects on endangered species [that] the program is designed to protect. That part of the plan is particularly important because take assessments are needed to show how effective the conservation measures really are.” Sweikert explained the process for initiating a memo includes gathering pertinent data based on informa tion obtained through various levels of discussions with stakeholders and the public. A draft document is then prepared for critical review by the EAHCP team, experts in the subject matter and ultimately

the permittees. The final memos will form the basis for the formal chapters in the permit renewal application. And, as is the case with all EAHCP processes, there will be more opportunities for com ments on the draft chapters. The Monitoring and Adaptive Management Framework Memo is the most recent document under consideration. “We have just received comments from stakehold ers on the Monitoring and Adaptive Management Memo and we’re in the process of including those comments into a second draft [of the memo],” said Lucas Bare, ICF’s Project Manager the EAHCP permit renewal. “The team is proposing changes in how endangered species habitats are monitored and how the adaptive management system is implemented. All of those updates are based on lessons learned as the EAHCP team has fulfilled program requirements over the past decade. At the time of the writing of the current (2013) plan, there were many details that couldn’t

2025 COULD BE NAMED “THE YEAR OF THE MEMO” FOR THE EDWARDS AQUIFER HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN. And for anyone involved in the preparation of the EAHCP permit renewal application needing approval before 2028, you’ve definitely gotten the memo about proposed changes being considered for this all-important draft document which will be formally written in 2026.

To learn more about the EAHCP permit renewal process visit: https://www.eahcprenewal.org

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EAC OUTREACH

By: Nikki Young EAA Senior Community Engagement Administrator

3,000 PLANTS. 50 PHOTOS. 1 AQUIFER. 2 WAYS THE EAA SHOWS CONSERVATION IS ROOTED IN TEXAS!

CONSERVATION CAN OFTEN FEEL ABSTRACT, BUT ON TWO RECENT MILESTONES, THE EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY (EAA) MADE THE NUMBERS TELL A STORY. On September 27th, more than 3,000 Texas native plants found new homes at the EAA’s headquarters during its second annual Rooted in Texas: Free Drive-Thru Plant Pickup. Cars snaked down East Quincy Street in the early morning hours as families, gardeners, and first-time plant adopters lined up for the free event. This year’s effort marked a significant increase from the inaugural pickup in 2024, which distributed 2,000 plants.

Just weeks earlier, another number had defined the season: nearly 50 photo graphs were submitted from across the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s jurisdiction in the debut of the Rooted in Saving Water: Conserve & Share It Photo Contest. The entries captured not only artistic vision but also heartfelt connections to the land and water. We received submissions from Bexar County to Uvalde County, each offering a unique perspective on how conservation takes root in everyday life. One partici pant shared how they picked wildflowers — sunflowers, Indian blanket, and blue bells — for a wedding bouquet at Confluence Park. Another described trans forming a yard of St. Augustine grass into an “urban prairie” alive with butter flies, hummingbirds, and even bats at dusk. Others highlighted the everyday choices that add up, like reusing cooking water for gardens or turning off the faucet while brushing teeth.

EAA staff and volunteers handed out carefully selected sun and shade-loving vari eties—plants chosen not only for their beauty, but for their ability to thrive in local landscapes while conserving water. Collectively, those 3,000 plants represent thousands of gallons of water saved each year compared with non-native land scaping, a tangible reminder of how small actions multiply into lasting impact. “Every plant that leaves here is another root system supporting the Edwards Aquifer and strengthening our connection to conservation.” — Michael De La Garza, Executive Director, Communications & Engagement And for many attendees, the event was about more than picking up a plant. “It felt like taking home a piece of Texas heritage — something living we can pass down and watch grow year after year.” — Gene Gentry, Attendee

The inaugural contest doesn’t end with submission. Selected images will be featured in the EAA’s 2026 calendar and showcased in future public displays, extending their impact well beyond the lens. Each photograph is both art and testimony — proof that being a steward of the aquifer takes many forms, from the technical to the deeply personal. From native plants to beautiful photos, these conservation initiatives remind us that caring for the Edwards Aquifer isn’t just a responsibil ity — it’s a practice that grows deeper with every action, every personal story, and every neighbor. And it’s Rooted in Texas.

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EAA EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER # 1 DESTINATION WHY THE EAA EOC IS THE By: EAA EOC Staff FIELD TRIP for Aquifer Education

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!

Best of all, field trips to the EOC are completely free! We don’t charge admission or fees for any of our programs, making this an accessible opportunity for schools, community groups, and families to enjoy. Our center also provides a safe, controlled environment where participants of all ages can learn, explore, and have fun. Teachers and group leaders can feel confident knowing that their students will be engaged in meaningful activities while being well cared for throughout their visit. Each exhibit and activity are designed with one goal in mind: to spark curi osity while teaching practical ways to conserve and protect our most precious resource—water. And since new shows, exhibits, and activities are added regularly, no two visits to the EOC are ever the same. Field trips to the EOC are more than just a day out of the classroom — they’re opportunities to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards while offering engaging experiences for adults and seniors.

GUESTS CAN ALSO ENJOY INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS AND PRESENTATIONS INCLUDING:

The cooler days of September make it the perfect time to plan a learning adven ture—and there’s no better place to do so than at the Edwards Aquifer Authority Education Outreach Center (EOC). Whether you’re an educator, group leader, or family organizer, our center offers something for children, adults, and seniors alike. All summer long we welcomed seniors from various Senior Centers around the region as well as several self-guided visitors, proving that curiosity about our water resources spans every generation. With the start of the school year, now is the ideal time to inspire students of all ages to explore, discover, and learn about the vital role the Edwards Aquifer plays in our community. At the EOC, there’s always something new to discover. This fall, we’ve added engaging features designed to reach learners of all ages. Young children can explore the liquid fusion tiles and story books in our Kiddie Korner. The liquid tiles combine tactile and visual water-based activities while sensory tables keep younger visitors hands-on and curious. Older students can experiment with our topographical sand box or enjoy a new art station where they color a watershed to learn about headwaters and tributaries.

BOOK YOUR FREE VISIT TODAY AND GIVE YOUR GROUP AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF WATER, SCIENCE, AND CONSERVATION.

Join in!

• The Karst Cave Theater – an immersive look underground.

• Cloud Caster – a dynamic way to explore weather and water cycles.

Visit us and leave your review at:

• The Threatened & Endangered Species Aquarium – a chance to meet some of the aquifer’s rarest residents.

Read our blog.

• The Science Guys – our newest show bringing science to life in a fun, memorable way.

• The Water Cycle Journey – a unique walking game that takes participants through the path water travels, from clouds to aquifer, bringing science to life step by step.

EOC Hours: The EOC is open Monday-Friday 8 AM - 5 PM. Admission is free.

Book your school field trip, group tour, or self-guided visit today at: eaaeoc.org

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REGISTER TO VISIT AT: EAAEOC.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 210.547.2222 MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

at the EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER (EOC) of the EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY.

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.

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

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