WELCOME TO THE GREATER EDWARDS AQUIFER ALLIANCE (GEAA)
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes effective broad-based advocacy for protection and preservation of the Edwards Aquifer, its springs, watersheds, and the Texas Hill Country that sustains it.
The Essence of GEAA
The Edwards Aquifer Ecosystem of Central Texas is one of our most valuable, irreplaceable and endangered public treasures. The EPA recognizes it as a “Sole Source” water supply. It is the only source of drinking water for millions of Texans.
It is our right and duty to preserve and protect the Aquifer, its contributing Hill Country watersheds, its great springs, and its native biodiversity for the benefit of all residents and all future generations. As individuals and community-based organizations, we invite everyone who shares the desire to preserve the Edwards Aquifer to join with us.
GEAA Programs
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance has originated a comprehensive program of science, advocacy, and public engagement aimed at protecting the quality and quantity of spring flows from the Edwards and Trinity aquifers. We are in need of support to fund key projects that are currently underway.
Under Our Feet
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA) is excited to launch “Under Our Feet“, a new interactive website designed to promote better understanding and protection of the Edwards and Trinity aquifers and, especially, the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone that supplies water for over 1.5 million Texans.
Realizing that very few people understand what a marvelous resource we have in our uniquely prolific karst aquifer, GEAA designed this site to encourage everyone to love this mysterious underground landscape as much as we do. “Under Our Feet” provides users with an overview of the Edwards and Trinity aquifers, karst groundwater systems, the Edwards watershed landscape, risks facing the aquifer systems, how to protect karst aquifers, and how to stay involved. Users will discover which zone of the Edwards Aquifer they live in, what that means in the groundwater cycle, what risks the aquifer is facing, and what actions they can take to protect the Edwards Aquifer. The site uses interactive maps, links, infographics, and photos to provide an engaging experience for all users.
Adults will be encouraged to “Take the Pledge” to adopt habits and practices that will protect the Edwards spring-fed streams and keep our water supply healthy. Children can “Adopt a Blind Salamander“, one of the endangered species that lives under our feet and nowhere else.
Latest NEWS
Feds grant $1.9M in funding toward land protections for properties near Camp Bullis
San Antonio Report by Lindsey Carnett Nov. 2, 2024 As noted in the SA Report article here, property owners within the Camp Bullis “sentinel landscape” area have an exciting new funding opportunity. Since the only other place local landowners can
Save the Pedernales River and Hamilton Pool!
Join the effort to ensure a billionaire’s private resort does not drain water from our public parks. We are urging everyone to learn about the plans for the luxury resort and exclusive subdivision-Mirasol Springs that promises “green” ecological features, however,
SOS variance for aquifer development fails to win Environmental Commission support
Friday, October 4, 2024 by Amy Smith City of Austin should not capitulate to Milestone developers on increasing impervious cover limits on the recharge zone.
GEAA is seeking a full-time Natural Resources Project Manager
This candidate will lead the planning, development, and execution of natural resource projects for the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance. A full job description is available here. To apply send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and a list of references
GEAA Publications
A Review of the Impacts of Senate Bill 2038 on Land Use and Water Supplies in Central Texas- May 2024
New Report released by GEAA’s Policy Director, Rachel Hanes. May 2024. The Greater Edwards Aquifer
Inner View of the Edwards Aquifer with Philip Rykwalder
Educational DVD produced by GEAA in association with KLRN and funded by Boeing.
Watershed Stewardship for the Edwards Aquifer Region, A Low Impact Development Manual
This manual offers an integrated approach to storm water management for the Edwards Aquifer to
Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance Map of the Edwards Aquifer
A detailed map pf the Edwards Aquifer plus a Guide to Appreciation and Conservation of
Water – Yours, Mine, and Ours – A User’s Manual Produced by the Cow Creek Groundwater District
Water: Yours, Mine, and Ours was produced through an EPA Nonpoint Source Pollution project of
Permanent Stormwater Pollution Prevention Systems within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone in Bexar County, Texas
An Overview and Assessment of Current Regulatory Agency Processes. Click to view report
San Antonio Climate Ready: A “Water Sponge/Carbon Sink” City
This white paper discusses the use of green spaces for soil water storage and carbon
You can mitigate the impacts of climate change in your own yard.
Learn how to protect and increase soil organic matter with the information created by GEAA’s
Improving Stormwater Management in San Antonio
Below is our position paper and recommendations for improving stormwater management in San Antonio. You
Images for Training Manual Publication
Here are images that GEAA would like to use for our new nonprofit educational project:
Wastewater Publications
Continued Partnership with Texas State University Students Expands GEAA’s Wastewater Project Efforts.
Building on efforts from a previous group of Texas State students from Dr. Yihong Yuan’s
GEAA and Texas State University Students Partner to Map Wastewater Treatment Facilities Across Edwards Aquifer Region
Date: May 16, 2022 A team of four students from Dr. Yihong Yuan’s Geographic Information
Interactive Map of Sewage Leaks in TCEQ Region 13
Spills Around the Edwards Aquifer Region. Click to see interactive map
Mapping and Analysis of Wastewater Spills in the Barton Springs and Southern Segments of the Edwards Aquifer
Final Report-TCEQ Region 11 – Aquifer Resource Innovators
Land Applied Wastewater Effluent Impacts on the Edwards Aquifer
This report examines existing evidence that wastewater effluent discharged in the Barton Springs and San
Vulnerability Analysis and Visualization of Sewage Spills on Edwards Aquifer TCEQ Regions 11 and 13 from 2012 to 2017
Previously, a Texas State GIS Design and Implementation project had been conducted on the visualization
Report on Spills from Centralized Sewage Systems in Region 13 of the Edwards Aquifer Recharge and Contributing Zones
An analysis of Wasterwater Spills In the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, with focus on sewage
Mapping Wastewater Infrastructure Within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge and Transition Zones
In order to aid in the protection of the aquifer, this project has two main
Water Reuse in the Hill Country: Analyzing Opportunities in Comal County, Texas
New Report released by GEAA’s Policy Director Rachel Hanes. September 2023 The Greater Edwards Aquifer