NewsDrop-September-October-2026

EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER ‘26

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

Table of Contents

Aquifer Update

04 General Manager’s Message:

A lot of things can change over the span of 30 years

12 The Covered Species of the EAHCP The Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) Descriptions of each Covered Species and updates on listing status and taxonomic changes.

During three decades of such change, the EAA mission has stood the test of time.

14 Our Mission in Motion:

Aquifer Management Services In mid-July 2026, the Edwards Aquifer region received heavy rainfall that provided significant relief from our prolonged drought conditions. FEATURE STORY Summer Reflections: July Rainfall Brought Much Needed Drought Relief

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Video Extends the EAA’s Reach Outreach Connecting our past, present, and next generation.

An aquifer conditions update is presented at the EAA Board’s monthly meetings to inform board members and the public about the status of the J-17 and J-27 Index Wells, as well as the Comal Springs and the San Marcos Springs springflows. These index wells and springs are prime indicators regarding the state of the aquifer and critical to managing during times of drought.

16 Celebrating 30 Years of Aquifer Education, Conservation, and Community Impact Edwards Aquifer Authority Education Outreach Center (EAA EOC) The EAA EOC is proud to reflect on three decades of stewardship, science, service, and community connection.

08 Annual Aquifer Withdrawals Have Declined Over Time External and Regulatory Affairs The EAA fulfills this responsibility by regulating and managing groundwater withdrawals from the Edwards Aquifer.

10 The EAA Then & Now Admin | Financial | Facilities

18 Corporate Partnerships

Yield Big Groundwater Savings Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (EAC) The Edwards Aquifer Conservancy’s mission to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer system.

How the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) & Education Outreach Center (EAA EOC) has grown over the past 30 years.

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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During 3 decades of such change:

GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

The EAA mission has stood the test of time.

By: Roland Ruiz General Manager

A lot of things can change over the span of 30 years -- population, politics, the weather, and the economy, to name a few.

Although our work is far from being finished , the milestone of a 30-year anniversary provides a platform to take stock of our mission’s transformative impact, and to renew our resolve to continue the work in inclusive, imaginative and innovative ways for the good of the next generation and the ones to come.

This fall, a 30th anniversary documentary, produced and hosted by KLRN’s Randy Beamer, will provide insight into the history of the EAA and how our work has influenced a region that remains vitally connected to the Edwards Aquifer. You catch glimpses of this impact within this edition of the News Drop as well. Such as a snapshot of aquifer pumping trends over the first quarter of this century, the evolution of our education and outreach efforts, the status of threatened and endangered species in the two major spring systems of the aquifer, and how corporate partnerships are helping fund improved water efficiency through conservation grants.

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AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES | FEATURED STORY

July Rainfall Brought Much Needed Drought Relief

By: Aquifer Science Research and Modeling Staff

Summer Reflections:

These July rain events also improved the aquifer conditions in the San Antonio Pool, which is comprised of the J-17 index well levels, and the Comal and San Marcos springs springflows. The water level in the J-17 index well in Bexar County rose to greater than 650 ft amsl on July 25, 2026, bringing the pool to Stage 1 after an increase of

Figure 2. Graphs of measured high-water levels for the Uvalde (J-27) and San Antonio (J-17) pools from January 1, 1940, through August 20, 2026. The dashed line in each plot indicates the 25th percentile value. Water levels in the Uvalde or San Antonio pool have been lower than the indicated value only 25% of the time. Even with the July 2026 rains, levels in both pools remain below the 25% values. Unfortunately, the short answer is “No, not yet.” Although water levels, springflows, soil moisture, area reservoir levels, and river systems have improved, aquifer conditions remain below historical averages for this time of year. The graphs in Figure 2 put our current conditions in historical perspective. The figure shows the measured daily highs at the J-27 and J-17 index wells since 1940. Also shown for each well is the 25th percentile of all measured values. Water levels in the Uvalde and San Antonio pools fall below these levels only 25% of the time. Clearly, despite the recent increases from the July rains, we are still in the bottom quarter of the range. As of August 20, 2026, the Uvalde Pool water levels were 14 feet below historical average, and conditions in the San Antonio Pool were back to Stage2 of EAA CPM — having fallen since July 25. approximately 10 feet, compared to pre-storm levels. On the same date, the Comal and San Marcos springs also showed increases in flow, measuring 215 and 131 cubic feet per second (cfs), respectively, up nearly 110 and 30 cfs from earlier this year. With aquifer conditions improving after the July rains, many drought-weary residents across the Edwards Aquifer region have been asking the same question: “ Is the drought officially over? ”

Figure 1. The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) estimated rainfall distribution across the Edwards Aquifer region during the period of July 13–17, 2026. The NEXRAD system is a network of 160 high-resolution weather radars that detect precipitation and wind, and its data can be processed to map precipitation patterns and movement. The highest totals were concentrated west of San Antonio in Uvalde County. Dataset compiled by Chad Furl, Ph.D., Edwards Aquifer Authority.

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n mid-July 2026, the Edwards Aquifer region received heavy rainfall that provided significant relief from our prolonged drought conditions. Persistent tropical moisture supplied the perfect conditions needed for sustained, heavy rainfall, particularly in the western portion of the Edwards Aquifer region where parts of Uvalde County received record totals of nearly 30 inches of rain between July 13 and July 17 (Figure 1) . Slow-moving thunderstorms also dumped large amounts of rain on already saturated watersheds in the Hill Country and the Edwards Aquifer contributing zone, producing flash flooding and extreme flows in some local streams.

Despite the destructive nature of the event, the rain events brought much-needed relief to the near-historic drought that has persisted in our region since 2022. On August 12, 2026, the water level at the J-27 index well in Uvalde County measured 850 feet above mean sea level (ft amsl), which brought the Uvalde Pool out of EAA Critical Period Management (CPM) pumping restrictions; the Uvalde Pool had been under pumping restrictions since June 2022 and under Stage 5 pumping restrictions for more than two years. The heavy rains not only contributed to direct recharge through infiltration across the recharge zone but also produced above-average flows in the Nueces and Frio rivers, both of which provide significant recharge to the Edwards Aquifer. These combined conditions continue to enhance aquifer conditions in the Uvalde Pool.

Figure 3. Intermittent streams across the Edwards Aquifer Region flowed briefly after the July rains, including the headwaters of Leon Creek at EAA’s Maverick Ranch conservation property in northwestern Bexar County, one week after the storms.

The current drought period is rivaled only by the drought of record in the 1950s, which lasted nearly 10 years. Since 2022, the region has faced a total rainfall deficit of more than 60 inches. Spring rains and the dramatic July storms have improved conditions region-wide, but the aquifer still faces an uphill effort to recover from the prolonged deficit and return

to historical averages. Fortunately, there may be some good news on the horizon. El Niño climate pattern has returned, and with it comes greater chances of above average rainfall this fall and winter. September and October are typically among the wettest months of the year, still ahead, there is cautious optimism that conditions may continue to improve.

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EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS By: Larry Jackson Executive Director of External and Regulatory Affairs

Annual Edwards Aquifer Withdrawals and Precipitation Since 1999

TELL THE STORY OF SUSTAINABLE PUMPING TRENDS AQUIFER MANAGEMENT

* Rainfall amounts received at the San Antonio Airport

Ultimately, the region’s ability to sustain continued growth and development while protecting a vital natural resource is due in large part to the collaborative efforts of the Edwards Aquifer Authority, its permit holders, and water users throughout South Central Texas.

Since 1999, the EAA has maintained annual groundwater- use records for all permit categories, including irrigation, industrial, and municipal users. Over this 27-year period, total annual withdrawals have never reached the authorized maximum of 572,000 acre-feet. In fact, average annual usage has been approximately 348,000 acre-feet, nearly 225,000 acre-feet below the permitted amount. Persistent drought has certainly been a contributing factor to reduced groundwater use. Over the past 27 years, the region has experienced several significant

droughts, including periods of exceptional drought during the last four to five years.

The primary purpose of the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) is to maintain, through appropriate regulation and incentivized conservation programs, a healthy balance between maximizing the efficient use of the aquifer and protecting minimum springflows at Comal and San Marcos springs, which are critical habitats for federally-listed threatened and endangered species.

The EAA fulfills this responsibility by regulating and managing groundwater withdrawals from the Edwards Aquifer. Under normal conditions, the maximum authorized withdrawal is 572,000 acre-feet per year. However, during drought conditions, the EAA’s Critical Period Management (CPM) program reduces the amount of water that permit holders pump from the aquifer to help preserve springflows and protect the region’s water supply.

The Water Resources and Field Operations team plays a key role in helping permit holders manage their water use by tracking both authorized groundwater allocations and actual withdrawals. This is accomplished through metering of all regulated, non-exempt wells, including those used for agricultural irrigation, industrial and commercial operations, and public water supply systems.

Even so, groundwater withdrawals have generally declined over time. While drought and below-average rainfall have influenced demand, the region has also made substantial investments in water conservation and efficiency. In addition, many permit holders, particularly municipal utilities, have diversified their water portfolios through alternative water supplies, reducing reliance on the Edwards Aquifer and improving long-term water resiliency.

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ADMIN | FINANCIAL | FACILITIES

30 YEARS of progress

THEN

NOW

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EDWARDS AQUIFER HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (EAHCP)

Fountain darter ( Etheostoma fonticola ): the fountain darter fish was listed as endangered on October 13, 1970. They are only found in the Comal River and the upper San Marcos River, where they depend on springflow from the Edwards Aquifer and native aquatic vegetation such as cabomba, ludwigia, sagittaria, potamogeton, hydrocotyle and more.

San Marcos gambusia ( Gambusia georgei ): the San Marcos gambusia (a one-inch-long species of mosquitofish) was previously listed as endangered on July 14, 1980. At the time, the species was already extremely rare and has not been observed in the wild since 1983. Evidence suggests that the species hybridized with the western mosquitofish, resulting in no pure San Marcos gambusia left in the wild. On October 17, 2023, the species was delisted by the USFWS due to extinction. Peck’s cave amphipod ( Stygobromus pecki ): the Peck’s cave amphipod was listed as endangered on December 18, 1997. This crustacean lives within the Edwards Aquifer and in the Comal Springs. They use their five pairs of legs to swim quickly and burrow in sediment. A common misconception is that the Peck’s cave amphipod is named after a cave. In fact, it was named after Stewart B. Peck, who collected the first known specimen. Comal Springs riffle beetle ( Heterelmis comalensis ): the Comal Springs riffle beetle was listed as endangered on December 18, 1997. They live near spring orifices in the surface water of the Comal and San Marcos springs. Although they possess hind wings, they are small and nonfunctional, rendering the beetle incapable of flight. Compared to the dryopid beetle, the riffle beetle is more vulnerable in low springflow conditions.

By: Mikaela Garcia EAHCP Intern for Threatened and Endangered Species

The Covered Species of the EAHCP

The EAHCP covers 11 species, including three salamanders, three insects, two fish, two crustaceans, and one aquatic plant. Since the EAHCP began in 2013, some Covered Species (specific threatened or endangered plant or animal that is explicitly protected under the EAHCP) have undergone changes in listing status or taxonomy; these updates are summarized here, along with a brief overview of each Covered Species.

The Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) is a regional program that protects aquatic habitat for endangered species in the Comal and San Marcos springs systems while ensuring the sustainable, long-term use of the Edwards Aquifer for South Central Texans.

Fountain darters , like all darter fish, lack a swim bladder so they cannot float; instead, they hop and dart along the bottom of the river. Aquatic vegetation is important for this species to protect them from larger, predatory fish, and it also provides habitat for their food source, or smaller organisms. Habitat restoration has focused on native aquatic plants that can also survive as emergent during extreme low-flow conditions. Fountain darters are an indicator species (that is, if their populations begin to significantly decline, it is a direct indicator to water managers that the aquifer’s water levels or quality might be dropping to dangerous levels) for both the Comal and the upper San Marcos rivers since they have a larger range, and we know more about their life cycle and habitat needs than the other Covered Species. Comal Springs dryopid beetle ( Stygoparnus comalensis ): the Comal Springs dryopid beetle was listed as endangered on December 18, 1997. This beetle is fully aquatic, living both within the subterranean caves of the Edwards Aquifer, within and near the Comal Springs orifices, and they have been occasionally detected in the San Marcos Springs system. To breath underwater they use a thin layer of trapped air called a plastron, which allows them to extract dissolved oxygen from the water. Edwards Aquifer diving beetle ( Haideoporus texanus ): the Edwards Aquifer diving beetle was petitioned for USFWS listing as endangered or threatened on June 25, 2007. This insect is found deep within the subterranean caves of the Edwards Aquifer and has been expelled through artesian wells and springs. They lack wings and eyes, but they use their long bodies to navigate pore spaces and gravel beds within the aquifer. On June 17, 2025, the USFWS determined that listing the species was not warranted, largely because their deep aquifer habitat makes them resilient to drought conditions. Texas troglobitic water slater ( Lirceolus smithii) : the Texas troglobitic water slater was petitioned for listing on June 25, 2007. This crustacean is found within the subterranean caves of the Edwards Aquifer. They have been observed at three artesian wells and springs located within just 600 meters of one another, suggesting that the species occupies a relatively small area of the aquifer near the freshwater-saline boundary. On November 29, 2023, the USFWS found that the species is not warranted for listing as endangered or threatened, because of its likely high rate of reproduction and resiliency to drought conditions.

San Marcos salamander ( Eurycea nana ): the San Marcos salamander is the only federally threatened species covered by the EAHCP, listed on July 14, 1980. These salamanders are highly adapted to stable temperatures and springflows found primarily in the San Marcos Springs. Similar to other aquatic salamander species, the San Marcos salamander does not go through metamorphosis and retains its external gills throughout its life. It lives underneath and between the rocky, cobble substrate.

Texas wild-rice ( Zizania texana ) : Texas wild-rice was one of the first plants to be listed as endangered and covered by the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) on April 26, 1978. It is only found in the upper San Marcos River and depends on steady springflow for growth and survival. In 2012, the upper San Marcos River was designated a State Scientific Area, making it illegal to uproot or intentionally disturb Texas wild-rice and other protected flora and fauna in the river. Under the EAHCP, the areal coverage of Texas wild-rice has increased from 4,561 m 2 in 2013 to 12,586 m² in 2025.

Despite status and/or taxonomy changes, all 11 species will remain as-is on the current Incidental Take Permit until it expires in 2028. This permit acknowledges that while everyday, otherwise lawful activities (like drawing water from the aquifer for human use) might inadvertently harm or disturb (“take”) these species or their habitats, the activities are legally allowed to continue. Moving forward, the next 30-year Incidental Take Permit will not cover current species that have been declared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as extinct or not warranted for listing, including: San Marcos gambusia, Comal Springs salamander, Texas troglobitic water slater, and Edwards Aquifer diving beetle. Texas blind salamander ( Eurycea rathbuni ): the Texas blind salamander was listed as endangered on March 11, 1967. This species of salamander lives underground in the Edwards Aquifer in the San Marcos area. Adapted to the dark caves of the aquifer, they lack eyes and locate potential prey by using sensitive skin cells called neuromasts that can detect waves created by the prey’s movement through the water. In 2021, the USFWS officially updated the scientific name from Typhlomolge rathbuni t o Eurycea rathbuni. Fun fact: Texas blind salamanders, and other salamanders, can regrow limbs like their tails and fingers if there is a clean cut in the severed or injured area.

Comal Springs salamander ( Eurycea sp. ): the Comal Springs salamander was petitioned for USFWS listing as endangered or threatened on June 18, 2007; however, the petition was withdrawn on April 8, 2020. Classification of this salamander has been debated, and studies have shown that it may be a population of the Blanco Springs salamander ( Eurycea pterophila ), also called Fern Bank salamander, or Texas salamander ( Eurycea neotenes ). Found in the Comal Springs, this salamander relies on stable springflow and constant temperatures. They live in cobble or rocky substrate and prey on small invertebrates.

Scan the QR code to view an interactive map of Texas wild-rice coverage from 2013 to the most recent available coverage, 2025.

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OUTREACH

By: Nikki Young Sr. Community Engagement Administrator

VIDEO EXTENDS OUR MISSION IN MOTION:

CONNECTING OUR PAST, PRESENT, &NEXT GENERATION

THE EAA’S REACH

TWO STORIES . ONE PREMIERE . The EAA’s 30th anniversary documentary, produced in partnership with KLRN, will premiere on KLRN TV: Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. right afte r On the Record with Randy Beamer. Also premiering Thursday, Oct. 29 The NextGen PSA , One Drop at a Time , will be featured on the EAA’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. Past. Present. NextGen. The story of the Edwards Aquifer continues…

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“Being part of the video made me think more about how the choices we make now can make a difference,” said Charlotte Wilson, a teen participant in One Drop at a Time. “It’s something our generation will have a responsibility for, too.” For Charlotte’s mother, EAA General Counsel Suzanne Wilson, seeing her daughter participate brought the NextGen philosophy close to home. “Seeing my daughter Charlotte take part in this gave me a different perspective on the work we do, ” Wilson said. “We’re making decisions today that will help shape the aquifer her generation inherits tomorrow.” Past. Present. Future. One continuing story — and a growing video archive.

the aquifer story to audiences beyond the EAA’s own channels. These partnerships offer another way to share expertise, introduce new perspectives, and extend the EAA’s story to new audiences.

Together, these productions document the EAA’s history, capture the work happening today, and look toward the next generation. In doing so, the EAA is also building a digital video archive that preserves the EAA’s story for audiences today and for years to come. Video cannot manage an aquifer, conduct research, regulate permits, or conserve water on its own. But it can make an unseen resource more visible, put faces to the work behind it, and help audiences understand how they, too, can become guardians of the aquifer. Thirty years have given the EAA a story worth telling. Through video, the EAA can honor those who brought us here, share the work happening today, and inspire the next generation who will carry it forward.

or 30 years, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) has worked to manage, enhance, and, protect one of the region’s most important natural resources. Increasingly, video is helping bring that work— and its impact across the region — to life. As the EAA marks its 30th anniversary, several video projects are capturing different perspectives on the aquifer’s past, present, and future. A 30th anniversary documentary produced in partnership with KLRN Television explores the milestones, challenges, and experiences that have shaped the EAA during its first three decades.

KLRN’s Randy Beamer is producing and narrating the documentary and conducting interviews with voices from across the EAA’s 30-year history . “What has struck me throughout this project is how many different perspectives are part of the Edwards Aquifer story,” Beamer said. “Behind that history are decades of commitment to this resource. Our challenge is to bring those voices together in a way that shows not only where the EAA has been, but why its work continues to matter.” While the KLRN documentary looks back, the EAA is also using video to show what is happening now.

The EAA’s own video series , Aquifer In-Sight , showcases the people, places, and stories across its eight-county jurisdiction, taking viewers into the field and behind the science to make the aquifer and the work surrounding it more accessible. Shared through EAA’s YouTube and social media channels, the series offers an ongoing look at the science, conservation efforts, and work taking place across the region. That reach also grows through collaboration. YouTube shows such as Symbiosis and Go Gardening have featured the EAA in episodes and segments, bringing

And then there is the next generation.

“NextGen,” short for “next generation,” reflects EAA General Manager Roland Ruiz’s philosophy that young people growing up across the region will become both future stewards of the aquifer and beneficiaries of the decisions being made today. That idea inspired One Drop at a Time video , a public service announcement that puts young voices at the center of the conservation message.

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Celebrating 30 Y E A R S

EAA EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER By: Elizabeth Gutierrez STEAM Outreach Educator II

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30 a s the Edwards Aquifer Authority celebrates its 30th anniversary, the EAA Education Outreach Center (EAA EOC) is proud to reflect on three decades of stewardship, science, service, and community connection. What began with educators traveling countless miles to schools and community events to share their knowledge about the aquifer has grown into a thriving educational space where visitors can experience aquifer science firsthand.

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Why Water Conservation Matters More Than Ever As population growth continues to place new demands on water resources in South Central Texas, conservation education becomes even more important. More people mean more homes, more schools, more businesses, and more daily water needs. It also means more opportunities to build a shared culture of conservation. Simple actions — fixing leaks, choosing native and drought-tolerant plants, taking shorter showers, turning off running water, and sharing aquifer knowledge with others — can create lasting change when practiced across homes, classrooms, and communities. Conservation is not only about saving water today; it is about preparing future generations to understand, respect, and care for the water that will sustain them tomorrow.

Come celebrate with us! As we honor 30 years of stewardship, science, service, and leadership, we invite you to be part of the next chapter of aquifer education. Whether you are a teacher planning a field experience, a family looking for an engaging learning opportunity, or a community member who wants to better understand where our water comes from, the EAA Education Outreach Center is ready to welcome you.

In the early years , staff carried presentation materials and aquifer models across the region to help students and community members understand the importance of groundwater conservation. Educational resources were mailed to campuses throughout the EAA’s eight-county jurisdiction and later moved online to make aquifer learning even more accessible. Water Learning Has a Home Today, the EAA EOC gives water learning a home. Visitors can explore the Edwards Aquifer through self-guided visits, interactive exhibits, outdoor learning spaces, and formal school programs. Every person who walks through the door leaves with a deeper understanding of how water quality, conservation, native plants, endangered species, recharge features, and everyday choices are connected. Just this past year, more than 11,000 visitors had the opportunity to learn at the EOC about the Edwards Aquifer and

the people who work to protect it. That impact is especially meaningful because visitors arrive at every age and stage of life, each bringing their own experiences with water and each leaving with something new to share. Conservation Lessons That Travel Across Generations The generational impact of water conservation learning is one of the most powerful parts of educational outreach. A child who learns why turning off the faucet matters may carry that lesson home to a parent or grandparent. A teenager who understands how rainfall enters the aquifer recharge zone may begin to see neighborhood streets, yards, and creeks differently. An adult visitor may reconnect with water lessons from childhood and apply them to the choices they make today. Education does not stop with one visitor, one classroom, or one presentation. It travels into homes, gardens, workplaces, and future conversations.

Schedule your EOC visit today at: www.eaaeoc.org and help us continue building a community of aquifer ambassadors — one visitor, one conversation, and one conservation action at a time.

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EDWARDS AQUIFER CONSERVANCY

GROUNDWATER SAVINGS YIELD BIG EAC Corporate Partnerships

The Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (EAC) is a nonprofit organization set up exclusively to support the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) and its mission to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer system. A key program the EAC provides funding for is the EAA Groundwater Conservation Grant Program.

By: Sara Beesley EAA Chief Development Officer

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he EAA Groundwater Conservation Grant program provides irrigation permit holders – mostly farmers – with funds to convert older, less efficient irrigation methods to more efficient irrigation practices. One focus of the EAA’s Groundwater Conservation Grants has been to help eradicate the process of flood irrigation (a low-efficiency practice that floods afield with a controlled amount of water which soaks into the earth) in our region. There are at least 1,230 existing acres that are currently irrigated through flood irrigation practices. This Groundwater Conservation Grant program incentivizes water efficiency improvements among Edwards Aquifer users by awarding up to 100% out-of-pocket costs to groundwater permit holders for innovative water conservation projects (such as the installation of high-efficiency irrigation equipment) that support sustainable water use and preservation of the aquifer and its aquatic habitats.

The EAC collaborates with corporate partners to provide funds for the program. The goal is to conserve between 150 and 200 acre-feet of groundwater (equivalent to about one foot of water on 150 to 200 standard football fields) by implementing more efficient irrigation practices. This year, Rowan Digital was able to support grants for groundwater conservation projects and spurred matching funds for additional projects. The EAA Groundwater Conservation Grant program is a competitive process for agricultural producers in the region. A request for proposals is issued, and agricultural producers are invited to submit applications to be considered. Project selection is based on expected water savings, proposal criteria, cost-effectiveness, matching funds from a donor, and timely completion, with grants issued as one-time reimbursements governed by maintenance and reporting requirements. Grant recipients are required to report annual groundwater use and metrics related to their grants for 10 years, the approximate lifespan of the water-saving equipment.

EAA Senior Permit and Conservation Coordinator Isabel Martinez , who oversees the Groundwater Conservation Grants, reflects on the program, “The EAA’s grant program has allowed us to work side by side with the region’s agricultural producers to efficiently manage the Edwards Aquifer while protecting it as a vital water source for years to come. This program helps ensure that future generations can continue the agricultural livelihoods passed down to them while preserving this invaluable natural resource.” Grants are available each year based on available funding. The Edwards Aquifer Conservancy is currently seeking funding to support grants in 2027 and 2028. If you have any questions, please call 210-547-2246. The EAA Groundwater Conservation Grant is just one way the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy supports the EAA . To learn more about the EAA Groundwater Conservation Grant program, please call Conservation Department at 210-222-2204.

To learn more about the Conservancy, visit the program website:

eaconservancy.org Contact us at: EAC@edwardsaquifer.org

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

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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