2026 Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series #10: Using Water Availability Requirements under Chapter 35.019 to Better Manage Water Resources
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance is pleased to introduce our 2026 Water Wonks Lecture Series. Mark your calendars for 3:30 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Water Wonks will feature a host of experts sharing innovative ideas and details about their work in the world of water. The series is a free community education opportunity.
REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE BEGINNING SEPT 24th.
Beginning Sept. 24, 2026, a registration form will be provided below where you may express your intention to attend this lecture.
Meeting details and zoom link will be sent to your email following your registration.
Lecture #10 Using Water Availability Requirements under Chapter 35.019 to Better Manage Water
Resources
Speaker:
John Hidore. Texas Certified Professional Geologist.
Bio:
John retired in Comal County from a 33-year career as a geoscientist in the Oil & Gas Industry. He has a Bachelors and Masters in Geology which has instilled in him a natural curiosity about the earth under his feet. As the current drought deepened and Canyon Lake Reservoir depleted, John began an independent research study into where our Comal County water comes from and the sustainability of the supply. It is part of this research into water availability that he is going to share in his presentation.
Synopsis:
Section 35.019 of the State Water Code provides counties within Priority Groundwater Management areas the authority to require proof of a “safe and sustainable” water supply prior to granting plat approval for any development. This proof is in the form of Water Availability Report (WARs) from water utilities. If done well, WARs can be a significant tool for counties to utilize in preventing growth from outpacing existing water supplies.
Examples from 2022 and 2025 Water Availability Reports in Comal County demonstrate pitfalls and successes in use of this tool. Given the current strain on our water supplies in Texas due to both extended drought and unmitigated growth, why are more counties not requiring WARs? Should Texas perhaps consider extending the availability of this tool to all counties, not just those within a Priority Groundwater Management Area?
Stay tuned for additional monthly lecture topics coming in 2026!
