THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO'S EDWARDS AQUIFER PROTECTION PROGRAM - AN EXAMPLE OF INTER AGENCY COOPERATION TO PROTECT GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN A KARSTIC EDWARDS AQUIFER OF SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS USA

The Edwards Aquifer, located in South-Central Texas (USA), is the primary water source for more than 2 million people. The contributing and recharge zones of the aquifer have undergone rapid development near San Antonio. In 2000, the citizens of San Antonio approved a 1/8 cent addition to the local sales tax to protect water quality though the purchase of land and conservation easements in Bexar County. The initiative collected $45 million in sales tax funds and acquired 6,500 acres. The program was renewed in 2005 for an additional $90 million and also authorized land and conservation easement purchases in nearby counties. The program was again renewed in 2010 and 2015. To date, San Antonio voters have approved $325 million in sales tax venue projects for aquifer protection and over 147,000 acres have been protected though conservation easements or fee simple purchases from willing sellers in five different counties.

The Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, managed by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of San Antonio (COSA), is an excellent example of cooperation between government agencies. In cooperation with COSA, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) assesses the geology and potential water quality and quantity benefits of candidate properties. COSA performs a survey and appraisal of the property for consideration by the COSA City Council. The EAA also provides annual easement inspections for the COSA. An additional 30,000 acres of land may be added to the program by 2021.