to keep enough water in a natural body for wildlife, despite past legislative efforts to establish flow protections. Environmental flows are the amount, timing and quality of streamflows required to sustain ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
Expanded markets could also allow for more “environmental” water transactions — agreements that pay a farmer or irrigator to not use their irrigation system for a set period of time, which would allow that water to remain in its natural body, helping that environment. The Edwards Aquifer Authority, whose jurisdiction spans the eight counties that encompass the aquifer, requires permit holders — such as the San Antonio Water System — to pay a water rights fee that goes toward the authority, which is utilized to maintain the aquifer’s health and to study the aquifer.
“Vista Ridge is another classic example of bringing in the private sector to pay for the infrastructure and financing,” said SAWS President and CEO Robert Puente, “and having the public sector essentially be the buyer.”