NewsDrop-September-October-2026

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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