Speaker: Todd Votteler, President, Collaborative Water Resolution, LLC
The Texas Edwards Aquifer is the base water supply for the City of San Antonio and counties to the northeast and west of the city. Springs from the karst aquifer provide a significant component of surface water flows in the Guadalupe River and San Antonio Bay, particularly during droughts. Regional competition for Edwards Aquifer groundwater historically pitted municipal and industrial users against agricultural interests, and surface water rights holders downstream of the springs. The resulting dispute involved the rule of capture in Texas, private property rights, and endangered species. A ruling by a federal court in 1993 led the Texas Legislature to create the Edwards Aquifer Authority, and an associated water market. In 2013, a regional plan developed by stakeholders effectively ended the dispute.
The presenter, Todd H. Votteler, Ph.D., was appointed by the federal judge to assist in implementing the judgment of the court and will discuss the Edwards Aquifer dispute and describe lessons learned.