Management Options Of A Highly Interconnected Aquifer And River System In Central Texas

Charles Kreitler ‘69
LBG-Guyton Associates, Austin, Texas

The Edwards Aquifer of central Texas has supported civilization for thousands of years. Today it is the primary source of water for about 1.7 million people, including the city of San Antonio. The aquifer is one of the world’s unique karst ground water resources, extending 180 miles and providing water to a unique system of springs that support downstream water users, as well as aquatic life, including several threatened and endangered species. Cities, rural communities, and farm and ranch lands all depend on the aquifer’s water for domestic, agricultural, industrial and recreational purposes. Ever-increasing demands for water in this growing region have increased the need for adaptive management in order to find a balance between many competing interests. To better manage this valuable but limited resource, cities and farmers have implemented more conservative practices. Regulatory agencies have allocated water permits, implemented demand management and critical period rules and recognized different aquifer pools in an effort to balance the needs of endangered species, downstream surface water right holders, and municipal and irrigation demands. Technical tools such as recharge and groundwater models have been developed. Aquifer storage and recovery is now an option to store water for dry periods. Springflow augmentation has been assessed for species protection. This case study illustrates the intricate working between the legal, regulatory, political and technical perspectives as well as municipal, agricultural, environmental, and water-marketing interests. As demand for water resources continues to increase, the components of the management strategies for this region will be critical in other regions as well.