NewsDrop Winter 2022

EAA General Manager, Roland Ruiz.

WE LIKE TO THINK THAT IN TIMES OF DROUGHT, SUCH AS WE’VE EXPERIENCED THIS YEAR, OUR WORK TO MANAGE, ENHANCE AND PROTECT THE EDWARDS AQUIFER SYSTEM IS MOST VALUED.

Friends and Neighbors, It has been a difficult year.

Patience is tested. Perseverance is pushed. Our objective of regulation through service was tested in 2022 like in no other time in recent memory. But just like with the 2011-2014 drought, our regulatory programs and conservation measures proved their worth, stemming the declines of aquifer levels to satisfy our statutory mandate, i.e. the reason the EAA was created. 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, a unique aquifer, and not an underground stream. To sustain these diverse interests and that 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.” So in the winter of this season, let us take the time to reflect, reassess, and renew our resolve to stay the course. The best we can. Together. From the EAA Act, Article 1: “The legislature finds that the

As of this month, 2022 has been the 2 nd driest year in recorded history for the City of San Antonio. The scarcity of rain was further exacerbated by record high temperatures over a span of 18 days and the second greatest number of days over 100°F. As a result, the need for water was immense across all sectors of our region – especially among the agricultural community where producing a crop in drought is always tough. As of the end of November, the Edwards region was in varying stages of our Critical Period Management Plan as follows during this year. For the San Antonio Pool: Stage I (20 percent reduction) – 33 days; Stage II (30 percent reduction) 63 days; Stage III (35 percent reduction) 148 days; and Stage IV (40 percent reduction) 24 days. For the Uvalde Pool: Stage I (not applicable); Stage II (5 percent reduction) 118 days; Stage III (20 percent reduction) 45 days; and Stage IV (35 percent reduction) 0 days. Thankfully, neither pool entered stage V in 2022. We like to think that in times of drought, such as we’ve experienced this year, our work to manage, enhance and protect the Edwards Aquifer system is most valued. Without question, it is most challenged. When there’s no rain and little signs of it to come, resources get stretched.

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