NewsDrop-September-October-2026

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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