GREATER EDWARDS AQUIFER ALLIANCE INC

The Aquifer Alliance seeks to build statewide support for conservation and sustainable management of the Edwards Aquifer, the source of the largest springs in Texas and the sole source of drinking water for more than 1.7 million Central Texas residents - and has developed the Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan that lays out clear steps to protect and preserve the Aquifer. Texas has been blessed with one of the most pure and abundant natural sources of water to be found anywhere in the world - the Edwards Aquifer. The karst limestone structure of the Edwards Aquifer allows for only minimal filtration of water entering the aquifer, making it vulnerable to contamination from urban runoff 'nonpoint source' pollution. This incomparable resource is being threatened by pollution from inappropriate land uses, resulting in increased downstream flooding, reduction of recharge capacity, and degradation of the quality of our water. The Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission has named the Edwards Aquifer as the major aquifer in the state most vulnerable to pollution. This combination of size and fragility adds particular significance to efforts protecting the Edwards Aquifer. Further, the Edwards Aquifer spring and underground river ecosystem, as well as the rugged Hill Country watersheds that feed the Aquifer, provide the only home to more than 50 unique animal species, more than 10 of which are federally listed 'endangered' species. Our overall goal is to make the Aquifer Alliance a recognized and respected voice for sustaining the Edwards Aquifer and preserving the Texas Hill Country.