AWWA ACE93070

After decades of unsuccessful negotiation to control overdraft of the Edwards Aquifer, a federal court ruled in 1993 that the aquifer is an underground stream. That designation makes the aquifer subject to state regulation, under federal watchdogs. The state's plan provides for a 30-year period to allow for the development of alternative supplies to reduce aquifer use. The plan protects both endangered species and economic development. This paper gives some a great deal of background about the aquifer, the Texas Water Commission efforts to control overdraft, the decision to designate the aquifer an underground stream and the result court cases, Texas groundwater law and conservation districts, and the Texas Water Code. Also given is a detailed description of the state's short-term, intermediate, and long-term plans to control overdraft, including the outline of a proposed law to regulate use of the aquifer.