Res 1987-025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A REGIONAL PROPOSAL FOR PRESENTATION TO THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE TO SEEK AND IMPLEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY PROBLEMS I. The Edwards and associated limestone aquifers underlie in whole or in part the five county area of Comal, Hays, Bexar, Medina and Uvalde. The importance and unique hydrologic characteristics of the Edwards (Fault Zone) Aquifer were recognized by the Legislature by creating the Edwards Underground Water District. In Texas I no other underground water resource shares the geologic, hydrologic and physical characteristics of the Edwards Aquifer. Further, this water-bearing formation is the sole source of water supply for the ci ties of San Marcos, New Braunfels and other towns and communities in the region, a strong and productive environmental resource and an expanding tourist center in Hays and Comal Counties. II. In addition to the unique physical properties of this water resource, the five-county region is served by a site-specific institutional structure which has evolved in response to and been shaped by the regional dependence on its water and related land resources. Three of Texas' major river systems traverse and are hydrologically connected to the Edwards Aquifer: the Nueces, San Antonio and Guadalupe-Blanco. All three serve downstream interests as well and all three ultimately drain into and provide fresh water inflows to the coastal bays and estuaries. The Edwards Underground Water District, which reaches to all 'five counties, has broad water resource planning authority and responsibility and limited management authority and responsibility. The City of San Antonio, Texas' third largest city, is the largest user of water from the Edwards and the largest city nationally relying solely on ground water for municipal water supply. The three river systems are managed by the Nueces, San Antonio and Guadalupe-Blanco River Authorities; each was created legislatively with authorities and responsibilities defined by the legislature. III. Recognizing the regional dependence on water supply from the Edwards Aquifer, the Edwards Underground Water District and others began in 1983 a comprehensive regional study. This study had as its purpose the formulation of a plan for the region through the year 2040 and a program of plan implementation that would: A. protect the quality of water in the Edwards and associated aquifers and river systems and the environmental values provided by the unusual geology and topography of the region that the aquifers and stream systems serve; B. protect, maintain and enhance the economic stability of the diverse interests served by this common water resource; C. make the most effective and efficient use of the water resource available from the Edwards and associated limestone aquifers and of the three surface water systems that are interdependent with those aquifers; and provide an equitable way of sharing costs and management authority and responsibility among water users and beneficiaries. D.