Celebrating 29 Years of Stewardship: The Edwards Aquifer Authority’s Enduring Legacy

This year marks a significant milestone — 29 years of the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) serving as a guardian of one of South-Central Texas’s most precious natural resources: the Edwards Aquifer. Since its inception, the EAA has managed the Edwards Aquifer for Uvalde, Medina, Bexar, and parts of Atascosa, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal, and Hays counties, educated thousands of Texans about the aquifer, and conducted cutting-edge aquifer research.

The EAA was officially created in 1993 through the passage of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Act by the Texas Legislature, following growing concerns over aquifer depletion, endangered species, and equitable water access. After a structured implementation period, the organization began official operations in June 1996, launching a new era in aquifer management.

Over the years, the EAA has grown into a model of effective resource management, combining science, policy, and public outreach to preserve a system that spans across South-Central Texas.

 In nearly three decades of service, the EAA has accomplished significant milestones that underscore its leadership in environmental stewardship:

• Implementation of Groundbreaking Habitat Conservation Plans (EAHCP) to protect endangered species and maintain the ecological integrity of aquifer-fed spring systems.

• State-of-the-art monitoring systems that track aquifer levels, springflows, and water quality in real-time, which serves as a resource for Texans, meteorologists, and scientists.

• In 2022, the EAA Education Outreach Center opened its doors to people of all ages and abilities to teach the community about the Edwards Aquifer with interactive exhibits and displays. Since then, the center has educated thousands of visitors from various Texas cities to visitors from other states and countries!

• Acquired and developed the Field Research Park, a 150+ acre outdoor research facility located in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. The park serves as a living laboratory to advance long-term studies on recharge processes, karst geology, native ecosystems, water quality, and aquifer sustainability. Research conducted supports groundwater management, endangered species protection, and informs regional water policy decisions. To learn more: https://www.edwardsaquifer.org/aquifer-science/sustainability/frp/

• Establishment of the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (EAC), the EAA’s nonprofit partner focused on expanding conservation efforts and educational programming through community philanthropy.

• PepsiCo U.S. Beverages and U.S. Foods partnered with EAA’s Groundwater Conservation Program in Texas, investing in watershed‑health initiatives that enhance irrigation efficiency, reduce agricultural water use, and lessen strain on the Edwards Aquifer. 

• Microsoft selected the San Antonio region, including the EAA recharge zone, as a priority for its “water‑positive” commitment, funding efforts to safeguard aquifer recharge through land conservation easements over key parcels. 

In 2022, the EAA marked another major achievement with the opening of the EAA Education Outreach Center (EOC)—a dynamic, interactive space dedicated to community learning and environmental exploration.

The EOC houses immersive exhibits, a native garden, and rotating educational displays aimed at students, educators, families, and researchers alike. By connecting science with storytelling, the EOC invites visitors to experience the aquifer’s history, biodiversity, and future—all under one roof.

More than just a facility, the EOC represents the EAA’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and community empowerment. It serves as a hub for environmental literacy and offers programming that inspires the next generation of water protectors.

The EOC is open Monday through Fridays from 8 am to 5 pm, and for the summer they have extended their hours on Fridays from 10 am to 7 pm! So make sure to visit the center this summer with your friends and family.

Learn more by booking your free Self Guided Tour on our website.

As the EAA celebrates its 29th year, it stands not only as a regulator but also as an educator, innovator, and collaborator. Through its continued investment in research, outreach, and partnerships, the EAA is laying the foundation for a resilient, informed, and sustainable future. The past 29 years have proven what’s possible with vision, commitment, and a deep respect for the natural world—and the journey is far from over. 

In celebration of the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s 29th Anniversary, we’re excited to announce the launch of the 2026 EAA Calendar Photo Contest, “Rooted in Saving Water”—a chance for our community to share and inspire drought-smart practices that keep us rooted in conservation and resilience.

Drought is challenging us all—but across our region, people are rising to the occasion with innovative and sustainable solutions. Whether you’re conserving water through native landscaping or rethinking your daily habits, your story can inspire others—and your photos could land a spot in our 2026 calendar!
All residents, students, organizations, and businesses from Atascosa, Bexar, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Medina, and Uvalde counties are encouraged to participate.

Categories Include:

• Smart Irrigation (e.g., drip systems, timers)
• Rainwater Harvesting (e.g., barrels, catchment systems)
• Composting & Soil Health (e.g., mulch, compost bins)
• Nature-Based Solutions (e.g., native landscaping, berms)
• Youth in Conservation (e.g., student/family projects)
• Every day Drought Hacks (e.g., clever water-saving habits)

Prizes & Recognition:

• All participants receive a swag bag with native seeds and water-saving tools.
• Winners receive a $100 VISA gift card, a feature in the 2026 calendar, and recognition at the October 2025 EAA Board of Directors Meeting.

Key Dates:

• Opens: June 25, 2025
• Deadline: August 8, 2025
• Judging: August 11–22, 2025
• Winners Announced: August 29, 2025
• Photo Sessions: September 2025
• Calendar Release: December 2025

How to Enter:
Submit 2–4 high-resolution JPEG photos (at least one portrait and one landscape) through our official form: Submit Photos Here

Each submission must include:

• Full Name
• Water-saving location address
• County
• Selected category
• Photo title + 1–2 sentence caption
• Email & phone number

Community’s Choice: Top photos will be shared on EAA social media for public voting to select the front cover image!

Not sure where to begin? Watch our “How to Be Aquifer Smart” video series for ideas on drought-conscious solutions.