Organizations Striving to Protect the Edwards Aquifer

by, Holly Ratcliff

In a town that thrives off of its water for everything from sustenance to entertainment, multiple agencies are knit in tandem to protect the Edwards Aquifer.

Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (EAC) is “a non-profit organization… committed to raising money for support of the mission and programs of the Edwards Aquifer Authority. These funds enhance the vast resources available for aquifer users in areas such as critical research and developing innovative solutions to vexing, regional water challenges.”

Most recently, the EAC began the Rainmaker Challenge, a coin drive which will fund the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA).

They reached out to local businesses, stating, “If you have a business, we need your help with our inaugural coin drive.

Participate in a friendly competition and you can win cool prizes while supporting both water conservation and aquifer protection. Once registered, we’ll provide you with everything you need for a successful challenge–posters, marketing material, and an official Rainmaker Bucket. At the end of the competition, we will pick up your (hopefully full) bucket and determine our Rainmaker winners!”

So, why should you support the EAC and their efforts to fund the Edwards Aquifer Authority? The EAA is “responsible for a jurisdictional area that spans 8,800 square miles across eight counties in south central Texas, including all of Uvalde, Medina, and Bexar counties, plus portions of Atascosa, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal, and Hays counties.” Meaning, all of the funds raised not only flow back to the San Marcos River, but benefit all of the surrounding aquatic wildlife and vegetation as well.

The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA), another organization striving to protect the fresh water springs, posted the following statement on April 7: “Emerging contaminants are becoming a serious matter of concern for the Edwards and Trinity aquifers due to the increase in permits to discharge treated sewage effluent into waterways that recharge the aquifers.” By supporting the EAC and EAA, you support future projects to repair this increase in pollution currently altering the aquifer’s sensitive ecosystem.

Ultimately, San Marcos needs these entities as they strive to manage, protect, and enhance “the Edwards Aquifer system by limiting the amount of water that can be withdrawn each year in order to help keep San Marcos and Comal springs flowing to help protect the seven endangered species that call the springs home” (EAA).

To support the Edwards Aquifer, EAC and EAA today, you may currently drop off donations at several business sites, including Half Price Books and Tantra Coffeehouse in San Marcos until May 1.