Aquifer Conditions Improve: EAA Lifts Stage 3 and Returns to Stage 2 Permit Reductions for the San Antonio Pool

San Antonio, TX – The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) declared the lifting of Stage 3 with a return to Stage 2 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 Saturday, May 30, 2026. On Saturday, the ten-day averages were as follows: J-17 index well was 640.2 feet above mean sea level (ft. amsl), Comal Springs was 159 cubic feet per second (cfs), which resulted in these indicators being above the threshold for Stage 3 of the EAA Critical Period Management Plan (CPM). Additionally, the ten-day average at San Marcos Springs was 87 cfs. The San Antonio Pool had been in Stage 3 since April 29, 2026.

CPM Stage 2 for the San Antonio Pool reduces the annual authorized withdrawal amounts available to affected Edwards groundwater permit holders by 30 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.

What Does Water Mean to You? 🚣 🌊 💧

🌼For many of us, it’s connected to some of our favorite Texas memories, floating the Comal or San Marcos rivers, hiking through the Hill Country, watching wildflowers bloom, or spending time outdoors with family and friends.

...💧Water connects our communities, our landscapes, and the places we love most.

🌳That’s why protecting the Edwards Aquifer matters for today and for future generations.

We’d love to hear from you. What’s your favorite Texas river, spring, or outdoor memory?

#EdwardsAquifer #TexasWater #WaterConservation #TexasNature #HillCountry #ProtectWhatYouLove #CentralTexas #TexasOutdoors #EveryDropCounts

May 29 is National Learn About Composting Day! 🌱♻️

Did you know composting can help conserve water and support healthier soil? By turning food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost, you can help gardens retain moisture, reduce runoff, and support a healthier environment ...right here in Central Texas.

Small sustainable habits can make a big impact on our landscapes, our communities, and our water resources. 💧

Easy things to compost:
🍎 Fruit & vegetable scraps
🍂 Leaves
☕ Coffee grounds
🌿 Grass clippings

#EdwardsAquifer #TexasNature #WaterConservation

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who served our country.

As we enjoy the natural beauty of South-Central Texas, we’re reminded how important it is to protect the water, springs, and landscapes that connect our communities.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful ...Memorial Day. 💧🇺🇲 In observance of this holiday, EAA offices are closed today.

#MemorialDay #EdwardsAquifer #TexasNature #WaterConservation

Small actions help protect the water South-Central Texans depend on.

Start implementing the 5 tips today! 💧

#EdwardsAquifer #WaterConservation #SaveWater #EveryDropCounts