🌱 Edwards Aquifer Protection Through Land Conservation 🌱

The Edwards Aquifer is one of the nation’s most productive yet vulnerable
groundwater systems. The Aquifer supplies drinking water for more than
two-and-one-half million people across south-central Texas and ...sustains
iconic springs, including Comal and San Marcos Springs. To safeguard this
critical resource, in 2000 the City of San Antonio created the Edwards
Aquifer Protection Program (EAPP), which was funded through a one
eighth cent sales tax approved by voters. Over the past 25 years funds raised
via the EAPP have been used to protect over 150,000 acres of land through fee
simple acquisitions and conservation easements.

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement that permanently
protects land by limiting certain types of development, while allowing the
land to remain privately owned. Conservation easements on the recharge
and contributing zones of the aquifer are a significant component of EAA’s
fulfillment of its mission to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer.
In addition to the EAPP and other land conservation initiatives, the EAA and the
Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (EAC) hold more than 7,900 acres in easements.
These lands include the Field Research Park, where EAA scientists are studying
aquifer hydrology and land management techniques.

The EAA’s Aquifer Science Research and Sustainability teams support the
EAPP by conducting geological assessments to help identify the most protective
properties for the program and by providing annual monitoring to ensure
long-term integrity on nearly 185,000 conserved acres in the region.

This week’s weather report is in, and it’s a dry one. ☀️
Big thanks to Bill Taylor at KENS 5 for the update. With no rain expected over the next week, conserving water matters more than ever. Every drop we save helps protect the Edwards Aquifer, our region’s vital water source. ...Let’s do our part, smart water use today makes a real difference tomorrow.💧🌿

💧 Where water connects us 💧

Throughout the region, the EAA participates in a variety of activities that bring people together and strengthen community connection. This includes volunteer cleanups, conservation events, wellness activities, local and regional races, and the many ...informational community resource fairs where staff share aquifer knowledge with residents of all ages. The EAA also supports and speaks at conferences across Texas, helping connect aquifer science, conservation strategies, and community needs with broader regional and statewide conversations. Board members and employees alike take part in these outreach opportunities, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to showing up as active partners across the communities it serves.

Read more about how EAA gets involved in our local community, along with other stories, in our latest NewsDrop Issue: https://user-qzm76pf.cld.bz/NewsDrop-Jan-Feb-2026

Rooted in community. Rooted in conservation. 💧✨

We’re proud to highlight the January photo featured in the 2026 EAA Calendar, taken by a winner from our 2025 Rooted in Saving Water photo contest. These images showcase how families, schools, and neighbors across our region are ...putting creativity and care into conserving water and protecting the Edwards Aquifer.

In this photo by Rachel Cywinski, we see the Native Sabal Mexicana with winter precipitation. This highlights the importance of resilient multi-height plantings to prevent dehydration of foliage in extreme cold. These plants protect the ground under native trees, sheltering seedlings of spring­ blooming annuals, and providing vital refuge to urban wildlife in freezing conditions.

📅 The 2026 calendar celebrates drought-smart solutions, stewardship, and the shared commitment to keeping our water source healthy and resilient.

Stop by the EOC to explore, learn about the aquifer, and pick up your free calendar while supplies last. We love sharing your talent with every visitor who walks through our doors!

👉 Visit us today to get yours and learn more about the work happening at the EOC.

Our weekly weather report is in! Cold temps are making a comeback this weekend ❄️

Bill Taylor from KENS 5 & Kens5.com is breaking down what to expect in this week’s weather report. Bundle up, plan ahead, and be prepared for the cold temperatures!