RECOGNIZING

The 2006 Edwards Aquifer

Water Symposium

WHEREAS, educating the community on the vulnerability of the Edwards Aquifer is vital to its survival; and

WHEREAS, in 1845 Prince Carl of Solms Braunfels established New Braunfels at the site of the Comal Springs due to the abundance of water. Comal Springs was also recognized as one of the largest springs in Texas and among one of the largest in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the flows at the Comal Springs become intermittent when the level of the J-17 index well drops below 620 feet and the flow ceases at an elevation of 618 feet. The drought from 1947 to 1957 was the worst drought since detailed records were kept with the worst year being 1956 when the Comal Springs would be dry for 144 days; and

WHEREAS, in 1956 when the flow of the aquifer stopped altogether a survey of the aquifer spear-headed by Paul Jahn, led to the formation of the Edwards Underground Aquifer District; and

WHEREAS, in 1993 legislation formed the Edwards Aquifer Authority to govern the protection of the aquifer. During the last year, the members of the South Central Texas Regional Water Planning Group L, have been working diligently on a new plan to provide our region with water for the next 50 years.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Commissioners Court of Comal County, duly convened and acting in its capacity as the governing body of Comal County, does hereby recognize the importance of water and urge all citizens to remain involved and knowledgeable about the Edwards Aquifer and its importance to Comal County and the surrounding area.