CPM Overview

The EAA Critical Period Management (CPM) Plan helps sustain aquifer and springflow levels during droughts by temporarily reducing the authorized withdrawal amounts of Edwards groundwater permit holders and slowing the rate of decline in aquifer levels and spring discharges until it rains and the aquifer can recharge itself.

Who Does CPM Apply To?

CPM stage reductions apply to all Edwards Aquifer well owners and groundwater permit holders authorized to pump more than three acre-feet annually. This applies to industrial, irrigation, and municipal users, including water utilities authorized to pump Edwards groundwater for delivery to their respective customers*.

In addition, all municipal, industrial and irrigation well owners are required to submit monthly withdrawal reports to the EAA for tracking of their pumping. These reports are reconciled at the end of the year to ensure permit holder compliance with the CPM reductions.

*It should be noted that the EAA does not enforce lawn watering activities or other general water limitations enacted. Any enforcement of such activities or limitations is enforced by a municipality. The EAA does not regulate the public, but instead regulates Edwards well owners with withdrawal permits authorizing their right to pump from the aquifer.

Permit Reduction Stages

What are the stages of permit reductions and when are they declared?

The CPM Plan is divided into five stages of escalating reduced pumping requirements, each triggered by declining aquifer levels or springflow discharge rates as calculated in 10-day averages. In other words, required reductions increase as aquifer levels or springflows decrease. For example, Stage 1 of CPM is triggered and declared for the San Antonio Pool (all counties within EAA jurisdiction except Uvalde) when the 10-day average level at the J-17 Index Well, in Bexar County, drops below 660 feet above mean sea level (amsl) or the 10-day average spring flow at Comal or San Marcos Springs falls below 225 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 96 cfs, respectively. As a result, permit holders must reduce groundwater withdrawals by 20% of their authorized annual withdrawal amounts based on the number of days CPM is in effect.

Reporting Tools

During critical periods, all municipal, industrial and irrigation users are required to submit withdrawal reports monthly. Reports are reconciled at the end of the year to ensure compliance.

To assist in managing groundwater withdrawal permit(s), the EAA has developed a full range of online critical period tools.

End of the Year Critical Period Calculator

Our interactive Critical Period Calculator allows you to determine how much water you need to have authorized to cover your total use and total critical period reductions for the year.

Please note, this calculator is only available 12/31 – 1/31, when we know the reductions for the year.

Forms can be emailed to imartinez@edwardsaquifer.org or can be submitted electronically via the EAA’s Online Reporting System that can be found at https://portal.edwardsaquifer.org/edwsoftware/other_user/login.

Critical Period Usage Online Reporting System

This online form is available for users to submit their Critical Period Monthly Use Reports, as well as Annual Use Reports.

EAA Meter Matters Smartphone App

This app allows users to report meter readings, manage meters and view meter reading history.

Local Restrictions

The EAA has regulatory jurisdiction in all of Bexar, Medina and Uvalde counties and portions of Atascosa, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, and Hays counties.

Reach out to your water provider to determine if stage restrictions have been declared.

Providers By County