EAA Act

The Edwards Aquifer Authority Act (the Act) passed in 1993. However, legal challenges prevented the Authority from operating until June 1996. The Act created a 17 member board of directors that sets policy to manage, conserve, preserve, and protect the aquifer and works to increase recharge and prevent waste or pollution of the aquifer.

The board has fifteen elected members from the region and two non-voting appointed members to carry out the duties set out in the Act. The Act also established the South Central Texas Water Advisory Committee made up of representatives from downstream counties to interact with the Authority when issues related to downstream water rights are discussed.

Mission Statement

The Edwards Aquifer Authority manages, enhances, and protects the Edwards Aquifer system.

Edwards Aquifer Authority Goals

The Authority has eight major strategic goals that will become the focus of the agency from 2006 through 2009:

• Obtain and Comply with Endangered Species Act Permit
• Establish Groundwater Withdrawal Permits Amounts
• Implement and Expand Water Quality Initiatives
• Amend Demand Management/Critical Period Management Rules
• Permit and Build Recharge Facilities (Both Public and Private)
• Nurture and Develop Edwards Aquifer Authority Staff
• Raise Public Awareness of Edwards Aquifer Authority's Mission
• Identify, Prioritize, and Schedule Our Science/Technology Research
  Program Components