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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.
Click Here To See The Interactive Map
Breaking News
High School Students are invited to State Youth Water Camp
04/26/2012
By Annalisa Peace

The 2012 State Youth Water Camp will be July 8-12 at the Bentley 4-H Center in Monahans. The camp is open to high school students who are interested in water conservation and water issues and is co-sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and Upper Pecos Soil and Water Conservation District.

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Breaking News
Reliant Energy Supports GEAA through Carbon Offset Campaign
04/19/2012
By Annalisa Peace
GEAA is pleased to announce the second year of The Reliant EcoShareSM, a way that Texans can support GEAA and offset their own carbon production at the same time. Reliant and EarthShare of Texas have launched a program that allows Reliant customers to help reduce their carbon footprints through the purchase of carbon offsets.
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Breaking News
GEAA 8th Anniversary Party
04/10/2012
By Annalisa Peace
Celebrate GEAA's 8th anniversary with a party & steak dinner
Hosted by the San Geronimo Valley Alliance
to be held at the White Ranch in Helotes, Texas
on Saturday, May 19th
tickets may be purchased on-line
 
READ MORE...
Breaking News
Loka Studio - Yoga for a Cause supports GEAA during April
04/06/2012
By Annalisa Peace
Loka Studios , providing family friendly yoga and a fully equipped Pilates studio at 18817 FM 2252 is celebrating Earth Day 2012 by donating proceeds from their classes to GEAA during the month of April.  Stop by and partake of yoga, Pilates, belly dancing classes.  They also offer meditation and health and nutrition counseling.
 
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Breaking News
GEAA and SOS Commission Study of Land-Applied Effluents on the Edwards Aquifer
11/23/2011
By Annalisa Peace
A new report released by the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and Save Our Springs Alliance shows that the state’s permitting of land disposal of wastewater is failing to protect the Edwards Aquifer and Hill Country springs, creeks, rivers, and groundwater. According to the report, Land Applied Wastewater Effluent Impacts on the Edwards Aquifer, prepared by Dr. Lauren Ross, Ph.D., P.E. of Glenrose Engineering, a growing body of evidence establishes that poorly operated systems and a lack of permit standards are putting water resources at risk and leading to pollution ...
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Breaking News
TWRI to host Watershed Coordinators Roundtable, Stakeholder Facilitation Training
11/18/2011
By Annalisa Peace

The Texas Water Resources Institute will host a Texas Watershed Coordinators Roundtable Jan. 25 at the Texas Farm Bureau Conference and Training Center in Waco. To RSVP, visit watershedplanning.tamu.edu. Preceding the roundtable, a Stakeholder Facilitation Training will be held Jan. 24, also at the Texas Farm Bureau Conference and Training Center. The training, instructed by Charlie MacPherson of Tetra Tech, will highlight the tools used to effectively identify, engage and involve stakeholders throughout a watershed to restore and maintain healthy environmental conditions. More information and registration is available online.

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Breaking News
TCEQ Hosts First Central Texas Environmental Summit
10/27/2011
By Annalisa Peace

Texans living and working along the Austin/San Antonio I-35 corridor are invited to attend the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s first Central Texas Environmental Summit on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Schertz Civic Center in Schertz.

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Column - Environment
Support GEAA and Lower Your Carbon Footprint at the Same Time!
07/05/2011
By GEAA Staff
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA) is pleased to announce The Reliant EcoShareSM, a new way that Texans can support GEAA and offset their own carbon production at the same time.
 
 
Through this program, Reliant Energy in partnership with EarthShare of Texas has launched a program that allows Reliant customers to help reduce their carbon footprints -- while giving back to their favorite organizations -- through the purchase of carbon offsets ... 
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San Antonio News
GEAA Benefactor dies at age 68
07/05/2011
By Annalisa Peace
 
Wayne Hollomon Price, who helped fund foundations and charitable organizations that supported environmental awareness and preservation, died May 19th.
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Texas Legislature
House Action Takes Away Your Rights to Protect Against Pollution
07/01/2011
By Annalisa Peace
Watch this video clip to learn about actions in the State Legislature that will take away your right to protect your property from pollution.  Representative Craig Eiland discusses the impact of the Bonnen Amendment to SB 875.

Take action today, let your State Senator know that you oppose the Bonnen Amendment to SB 875 to give polluters immunity from civil suits.
READ MORE...
Breaking News
State Representatives Discuss Ramifications of Chisum Amendment
04/25/2011
By Annalisa Peace
Watch this video clip of State Representatives Anchia and Solomons discussing the ramifications to all Texans of the Chisum amendment (Amendment #40) to the TCEQ Sunset Bill (HB 2694).  This motion passed by a 2:1 vote on April 19th. Thanks to Alliance for Clean Texas for providing this footage.
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Breaking News
Chisum Amendment to TCEQ Bill Passes - see how your rep voted
04/20/2011
By Annalisa Peace

Citizens across Texas suffered a significant loss of their rights protect private property and water resources when the State House of Representatives voted last night to adopt the Chisum amendment to the TCEQ Sunset Legislation. Even sadder, the 96 to 44 vote wasn’t even close. See how your representative voted here.

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Breaking News
GEAA opposes Chisum Amendment
04/19/2011
By Annalisa Peace
A very serious threat to our ability to control pollution here in Texas is coming up in the House of Representatives today (Tuesday, April 19th).  State Rep. Warren Chisum will attempt to sully HB 2694 - the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) "sunset" legislation - with an amendment that is identical to HB 3037  that would gut the process for contesting TCEQ permits - a process that currently allows citizens to improve pollution control permits or even stop the issuance of permits for bad projects. 
 
Flawed as it may be, the contested case process provides the only recourse to fight bad TCEQ permits.  Please contact your legislators today to let them know that you oppose the Chisum amendment to HB 2694.
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Regional News
EarthShare Texas and H-E-B Tear-pad Campaign support GEAA
03/29/2011
By Rachel Dealy

GEAA is pleased to announce that H-E-B has selected EarthShare of Texas to be the beneficiary of its in-store coupon promotion for  April, in recognition of Earth Day. This means that customers can tear  off and add check-out coupons worth $1, $3, or $5 to their total bill.

H-E-B has supported many EarthShare of Texas organizations with corporate grants or in-kind contributions. The April tear-pad  promotion enables H-E-B customers to support the program work of Earth  Share of Texas organizations. GEAA will benefit, because the contributions will be divided among  EarthShare of Texas organizations with program work in Central Texas.


Look for the EarthShare of Texas display and tear-off coupons at the check-out stands in H-E-B stores and the Central Markets store beginning in late March through April. And help support EarthShare of Texas and the Texas environment!

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Press Item
Join Us in Making 2011 A Great Year for the Aquifer!
01/06/2011
You are cordially invited to celebrate the 6th Birthday of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance

at a Cocktail Fundraiser at Willow Way

January 28th, 2011 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Residence of James G. Lifshutz

7 Willow Way, San Antonio, Texas

Tickets are $50.00 per person
Double click on the paypal icon below to purchase your tickets online
 
 
 
*You can also send us a check to PO Box 15618, San Antonio, TX 78212 payable to GEAA with "Fundraiser" in the subject line.
 
If you are not able to attend, but would like to make a donation that will benefit the Aquifer Alliance, please click here to visit our donation page.
 
Click "READ MORE" for directions.
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Austin Area News
TCEQ Hearing at the Capitol-December 15th
12/10/2010
By Lisa Jo Bowers
The Sunset Advisory Commission public hearing on TCEQ will take place on Wednesday, December 15th. Join us that day in the Capitol as we continue to participate in this once-in-a-decade opportunity to make our state a healthier and safer place to live, work and raise our families.
 
Click READ MORE for the day's schedule...
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San Antonio News
Ebay Holiday Auction- Call for Donations
11/15/2010
By Lisa Jo Bowers
Dear GEAA Members and Friends,
 
The holiday season is coming upon us fast! Once Thanksgiving passes, we will be bombarded with holiday paraphernalia, Christmas lights and snowmen (though probably no real snow...). Come December, we will be bombarded with new STUFF. The amount of clutter in our lives can become overwhelming. GEAA wants to help you clean out your closet! We are hosting oursecond annual ONLINE auction for the first two weeks in December. Donate items to GEAA and we'll sell them online. Thanks to programs like Mission Fish (Ebay's charitable auction service), Ebay grants nonprofit organizations 100% of their proceeds. That means none of the donations get lost in processing fees.
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Regional News
Hearing on Edwards Rules
11/15/2010
By Lisa Jo Bowers
It is once more time for the annual TCEQ Hearing on the rules that regulate development on the Edwards Aquifer.  As you are all aware, these rules are not sufficiently protecting the aquifer.  GEAA has been submitting the same comments since 2005.  In 2006, 2007, and 2009, we added recommendations to those previously submitted but never acted upon.
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San Antonio News
San Antonio Town Hall Great Success, Austin Town Hall Approaches
11/10/2010
By Lisa Jo Bowers
Those of you to the north will have your opportunity to speak up in Austin on Wednesday November 17th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Bass Lecture Hall, LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin campus Map and Directions

Perhaps we will see you there, orat the Sunset Review Commission Hearing at the State Capitol on December 15th. And, if meetings are not your thing, you can always submit your comments via e-mail to: http://www.sunset.state.tx.us/question.htm. We hope that these town halls will show legislators that Texans are making the TCEQ sunset process a priority, and that you will continue to be engaged throughout the legislative session.

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San Antonio News
Earth Share Partners with HEB
11/10/2010
By Lisa Jo Bowers
We are pleased to announce that H-E-B has selected EarthShare of Texas to be the beneficiary of its in-store coupon promotion for November, in recognition of Texas Recycles Day. This means that customers can tear off and add check-out coupons worth $1, $3, or $5 to their total bill to support environmental work in the San Antonio area
 
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Texas Legislature
Forum to Address State Water Issues
10/19/2010
By GEAA Staff

Forum to Address State Water Issues

SEGUIN − The League of Women Voters (LWV) and the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) are co-sponsoring a regional public forum, "State Water: What You Should Know." The forum will be held 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at the GBRA River Annex, 905 Nolan, in Seguin, TX.

The purpose of the forum is to address issues regarding the allocation of water in Texas. Experts will describe the state water plan, the Region L water plan, information from the Headwaters region in Kerr County, current state regulations that govern the sale and transfer of water rights by river authorities, and the permitting of water transfers by groundwater districts. Participants will also hear about upcoming legislation relating to water allocation.

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Texas Legislature
Vote YES to Prop 1 and 2 on November 2nd!
10/14/2010
By GEAA Staff

Water is the cornerstone of our future.
-Protecting our water now enhances our future health, economy and quality of life.
-Voting for Proposition 1 on November 2 will give San Antonians the tools we need to protect our water for tomorrow.

READ MORE...
San Antonio News
TCEQ Sunset Review Town Hall Meeting-November 8th, 2010
10/13/2010
By GEAA Staff

The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance invites you to join  state, local and county elected officials from San Antonio and surrounding communities to recount your experiences with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and to share their suggestions for improving this agency, in light of TCEQ’s upcoming Sunset Review.   

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Sunset Review Town Hall  Meeting.   

Monday, November 8th from 6:00 – 8:30pm 

San Antonio Central Library Auditorium

600 Soledad*, San Antonio, Texas   
   
READ MORE...
San Antonio News
CANCELLED: TCEQ Sunset Review Town Hall Meeting - September 23, 2010
08/23/2010
By GEAA Staff
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are postponing the TCEQ Sunset Review Town Hall Meeting that was scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 23rd. ...
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San Antonio News
San Antonio area residents: Get involved in the North Sector Plan!
06/22/2010
By GEAA Staff
Please alert your friends and family members to the upcoming North Sector Plan open houses, where they will have a chance to view the plan and comment. The first North Sector Open House will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Semmes Library, 15060 Judson Road. The second Open House will be held on Saturday, June 26, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Igo Library, 13330 Kyle Seale Parkway ...
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Regional News
Celebrate with GEAA!
04/14/2010
By GEAA Staff
 
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Steak Dinner and Drinks for Two - Open Bar
Vegetarian option available
...
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Press Item
Join Us Feb. 26th! Reception Featuring Keynote Speaker Al Armendariz
02/02/2010
By GEAA Staff
READ MORE...
Press Item
Check Out SA Mayoral Candidates Stands On Water
04/28/2009
By GEAA Staff
City of San Antonio Mayoral candidates, Castro, Cibrian and DeBerry-Meija discuss water issues at the Environmental Candidates Forum held at the Little Carver Theater on April 17th.
 
View the 3 video clips online or here:
 
READ MORE...
Regional News
GPS 101 at Cibolo Nature Center! Monday, May 4th
04/28/2009
By GEAA Staff
Anne Adams and Dr. Kathy Ward will present an informal, outdoor class-with a GPS unit in your hand.  Learn how to turn it on, scroll through screens, set up for use and practice basic navigation.  Participants work in pairs and GPS units are provided. ...
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Regional News
Aquifer Groups Hosted US Fish and Wildlife Town Hall Meeting on Critical Habitat for Devils River Minnows
04/01/2009
By GEAA Staff
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and Kinney County Ground Zero hosted a town hall meeting to inform the public about the designation of Critical Habitat for the Devils River Minnow in Kinney County, featuring experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).  ...
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San Antonio News
New Drought Restrictions On The Way
01/06/2009
By Annalisa Peace
Trustees of the San Antonio Water System on Tuesday approved a measure asking the City Council to toughen the city's drought rules, making restrictions on lawn watering kick in earlier.
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Press Item
Hills of Castle Rock Development Settlement Reached
02/19/2010
By Annalisa Peace
GEAA and San Geronimo Valley Alliance (SGVA) are very pleased to announce that a settlement agreement has been finalized between SGVA and BP Properties, Ltd. regarding the proposed Hills of Castle Rock development located ten miles northwest of Helotes.

The Hills of Castle Rock's application for a permit to release wastewater effluent into the San Geronimo Creek, a major conduit of recharge to the Edwards Aquifer, inspired State Representative David Leibowitz to file HB 595 (State Senator Leticia Van de Putte filed companion SB 822) to prohibit this practice. Under the terms of the agreement, no effluent will be released into the San Geronimo Creek and impervious cover is limited to 15%.
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Regional News
January Conference: Pumping Limits for Texas Aquifers: Desired Future Conditions Process
01/07/2010
By GEAA Staff
The Texas A&M Graduate Water Program, Texas Agrilife Extension, and the Texas Water Development Board have planned a conference addressing pumping limits for Texas’ aquifers and the desired future condition process. The upcoming conference is scheduled for January 20-21, 2010, and will be held at the Thompson Conference Center on the UT Austin campus.

The slate of speakers represents some of the most important players in groundwater management in Texas and the various presentations are sure to address many of the most challenging issues currently facing groundwater managers in Texas. This process will also directly impact Texas landowners.

Read on for a detailed agenda and instructions for registration. ...
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Regional News
Read GEAA's Comments about the Loop 1604 EIS Scoping Process
11/02/2009
By GEAA Staff
GEAA and AGUA (Aquifer Guardians in Urban Areas) recently submitted initial comments on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process to assess improvements to Loop 1604 from Potranco Road to I-35 North. Read the full text here and let us know what you think! 
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Texas Legislature
81st Legislative Session Recap
09/21/2009
By GEAA Staff
GEAA's lobbyist, Jeff Heckler, has provided a summary of our legislative efforts for the 81st Session.  Donations to GEAA's legislative program are welcome and needed to ensure that we are set for success during the next session.
Read his full text below:  ...
READ MORE...
Breaking News
Conserving Energy is Fast, Efficient Way to Save Water in Drought-Stricken Texas
04/06/2009
By GEAA Staff
(AUSTIN, TX) Decisions about supplying energy and water to Texas’ growing population can no longer be made in isolation from each other, according to The Energy-Water Nexus in Texas, a joint report released today by the University of Texas and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).

 
“Failure to consider the links between water and energy could undermine both resources, where constraints in water become constraints in energy, or vice-versa,” said Michael Webber, report co-author and associate director of the University of Texas Center for International Energy & Environmental Policy. “On the other hand, policies that address both energy and water can increase efficiency and reduce costs for Texans.” ...
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Texas News
Watch Texas: State of Flowing Water on-line
03/12/2009
By GEAA Staff
Did you miss Texas Parks and Wildlife's documentary, Texas: The State of Flowing Water? Don't worry! You can watch the full show online. Explore the threats facing Texas water and learn what can be done to help. Watch the video here ...
READ MORE...
Regional News
San Marcos River Restoration Plan Meeting May 12th
04/27/2009
By GEAA Staff
The next San Marcos River Restoration Plan meeting will be on May 12th from 9am-12pm at the Price Center in San Marcos.
  
This meeting will include discussion on outreach and education (discussion to be led by Flo Oxley of the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center), bank stabilization ( discussion to be led by Melani Howard of the city of San Marcos) and Fish Passage and Dam Alteration/Removal (discussion to be led by Mara Alexander of the USFWS ). ...
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San Antonio News
Judge Biery delivers lucid ruling on AGUA/TURF Hwy. 281 Case
03/12/2009
By GEAA Staff
U.S. District Court Judge Fred Biery denies a motion by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to dismiss as moot a lawsuit by GEAA member group AGUA and TURF. In elegant summation, Judge Biery writes, "No San Antonian is an island, entire of itself; each is a piece of South Texas, a part of the Edwards Escarpment. If our refuse washes into the aquifer, all are the less ..."
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Texas Legislature
It's time Texas joins movement to stop the plastic-bag insanity
04/09/2009
By Carlos Guerra
While strolling along the quiet northern end of the River Walk on Sunday, I was reminded of my pre-plastic childhood. In those days, seemingly all containers were either recyclable or biodegradable. Empty cans became planters for seedlings, jars found new uses, and we kids picked up all discarded bottles to collect the deposits ...
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Regional News
AGUA and CASE sign on to Lawsuits to protect Local Endangered Species
03/12/2009
By GEAA Staff
AGUA and CASE sign on to Lawsuits to protect Local Endangered Species In a final challenge to the Bush administration's political interference in endangered species decisions, the Center for Biological Diversity today filed seven separate lawsuits concerning designation of critical habitat for 18 species, including 12 Texas invertebrates that are unique to the Edwards Aquifer Springs and Caves in the Texas Hill Country ...
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Texas Legislature
Natural Resources Committee Hears GEAA's Top Bill
03/19/2009
By GEAA Staff
The House Natural Resources Committee met yesterday to hear comments about HB 595 and HB 1508, among others. Several GEAA members and supporters came to speak in support of these bills. ...
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Regional News
HaysCan News Roundup
03/13/2009
By GEAA Staff
Growth in Hays County is straining our roads, open spaces and water supply. Citizens are demanding intelligent, honest planning for future growth and special interests are jockeying for influence and a stake in the lucrative development bonanza ...
READ MORE...
Texas Legislature
Rep. Leibowitz Files Bill to Prohibit Discharge of Sewage Effluent into Edwards Aquifer Waterways
03/12/2009
By GEAA Staff
State Representative David McQuade Leibowitz (District 117) late Tuesday filed a bill that many believe is much needed to protect the quality of water in the Edwards Aquifer. H.B. 595 states "The commission (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality-TCEQ) may not issue a new permit authorizing the discharge of sewage effluent directly into any water in the contributing or recharge zone of the San Antonio or Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer."
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Texas Legislature
GEAA asks Legislature to Take Action to Protect Water & the Hill Country
03/12/2009
By GEAA Staff
GEAA asks Legislature to Take Action to Protect Water & the Hill Country
Citizens from throughout the Texas Hill Country are concerned about the impacts of high-density development on our water resources - both in terms of the quantity of water available and the quality of our groundwater. The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA), working with our member and the region’s elected officials has crafted a legislative agenda that includes ...
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