EAA Lifts Stage 4 and Returns to Stage 3 Permit Reductions for the San Antonio Pool

San Antonio, TX – The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) has declared the lifting of Stage 4 and a return to Stage 3 Critical Period Management for Edwards groundwater permit holders in the San Antonio Pool ...of the EAA’s jurisdiction (Medina, Bexar, and parts of Atascosa, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal, and Hays counties) based on improved aquifer conditions effective Sunday, April 26, 2026. Yesterday, the ten-day average at Comal Springs was 100 cubic feet per second (cfs), and the ten-day average at the J-17 index well is 632.7 feet above mean sea level (ft. amsl), which are each above the Stage 4 threshold for the EAA Critical Period Management Plan (CPM). The San Antonio Pool had been in Stage 4 since August 12, 2025.

As shown below, CPM Stage 3 for the San Antonio Pool reduces the annual authorized withdrawal amounts available to affected Edwards groundwater permit holders by 35 percent of their withdrawal amounts based on the number of days CPM is in effect for the indicated stage reduction. These reductions apply to all Edwards Aquifer groundwater permit holders authorized to pump more than three acre-feet annually. This includes industrial and agricultural users, as well as water utilities authorized to pump water from the Edwards Aquifer for delivery to their respective customers. All affected permit holders must also report their pumping totals to the EAA on a monthly basis.

Residents and businesses within those counties who receive their water from a public water system should follow their respective water providers’ directives regarding water use practices. It should be noted that the EAA does not enforce lawn watering activities or other general water limitations beyond the curtailment of withdrawals from the Edwards Aquifer. Any enforcement of such activities or limitations is enforced by a municipality. The EAA does not regulate the general public but instead regulates Edwards well owners with withdrawal permits authorizing their right to pump from the aquifer.

The EAA is a groundwater conservation district that manages, enhances and protects the Edwards Aquifer, a major groundwater system serving approximately two-and-one-half million South Central Texans. The EAA jurisdiction spans across 8 counties including Uvalde, Medina, Bexar, and parts of Atascosa, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal and Hays counties.

Tune in to Texas Public Radio's "The Source" to hear from host David Martin Davies as he chats with EAA General Manager, Roland Ruiz, and Steve Cargil, Edwards Aquifer Authority Board Member, Uvalde farmer, and owner of Cargil Produce as they discuss how the recent rains may have ...elevated aquifer levels but managing through drought is still top of mind.

This interview will be recorded live today, Monday, April 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

Edwards Aquifer rises after April rain, but drought remains for South Texas farmers

Because of the ongoing drought water levels in the Edwards Aquifer have been dipping to some of the lowest in history. Yet development growth...

www.tpr.org

Do you know the history behind the Battle of Flowers? DYK? The Battle of Flowers parade is the second oldest parade in the nation and the largest run entirely by women volunteers. 🌺

In observance of this holiday all EAA offices are closed Friday, April 24, 2026.

Thank you, Bill Taylor from KENS 5 & Kens5.com, for this week’s weather update! 🌧️ We’ve been seeing some much-needed rain lately, with portions even reaching the contributing zone of the Edwards Aquifer system.

While every drop counts, it’s important to remember that ...we’re still in extreme drought conditions. Let’s continue doing our part by staying mindful of water conservation every day. 💧🌎

Earth Day is a reminder that some of our most important natural resources aren’t always visible... but they are essential to everything we do. 🌎💧

The Edwards Aquifer is one of the most vital water sources in South-Central Texas, supporting communities, agriculture, industry, and ...unique ecosystems found nowhere else in the world. Protecting it requires thoughtful management, ongoing research, and a shared commitment to conservation.

At the Edwards Aquifer Authority, that responsibility drives everything we do, from monitoring aquifer levels and ensuring sustainable use to preserving the delicate balance of the aquifer system.

This Earth Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to consider the role water plays in your daily life, and how small actions can help protect this critical resource for generations to come.

POV: the Rooted in Saving Water Photo Contest entries are coming in and we can’t stop watching 🤩🌿💧

From water-wise landscaping to everyday conservation habits—you all are showing up in the best way.

There’s still time to enter! Help us celebrate 30 years by sharing ...your drought-smart solutions. 👇

📸 Enter the 2nd Annual Rooted in Saving Water: Conserve & Share It Photo Contest
🏆 Winners receive:
• Feature in our 2027 calendar
• $100 Visa gift card
• EAA swag bag
• Recognition at the November 2026 EAA Board Meeting

🌟 Grand Prize: $500 Visa gift card!

📅 Submit your photos by August 31, 2026

Let’s inspire the future—one photo at a time at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/eaacontest2026

ICYM: Last Tuesday 4/14/26, Paul Bertetti, EAA Senior Director, Aquifer Science Research & Modeling, delivered our latest aquifer conditions report detailing the state of the Edwards Aquifer. ➡️This report is before this recent rainfall, but puts things into perspective. We are in about a 2... year rainfall deficit, so the recent rainfall is much needed but we still have a ways to go.

Stay safe out there everyone!

Rain over the Recharge Zone ☔️ out at our EAA Field Research Park (EAA FRP), which is our 151-acre property, located adjacent to Cibolo Creek in northeast Bexar County, Texas.

Check out the 100th Texas Water Development Board TexMesonet weather station, that was installed back in ...2023, seen here in action capturing real time data out at our EAA FRP.