Today, Texas Water Trade announced the recipients of a unique grant. Texas Water Trade’s program, the Texas Water Market Makers, will deliver technical expertise and dedicated strategic support to three conservation entities committed to protecting and enhancing freshwater flows in Texas’ rivers and bays. Over the next two years, TWT will support the selected Market Makers – Galveston Bay Foundation, Audubon Texas and Wimberley Valley Water Association – to develop science-based market plans for their priority basins.
The Texas Water Trade Press Release states why WVWA was selected:
Wimberley Valley Watershed Association (WVWA) envisions a future with clean, plentiful and sustained water for Jacob’s Well in the Texas Hill Country. WVWA’s primary focus has always been to protect the Trinity Aquifer that sustains flow to Jacob’s Well through groundwater and surface water management. “Maintaining Jacob’s Well spring flow into Cypress Creek and the Blanco River through sustainable management of the Trinity Aquifer is essential for the functioning of our regional ecosystems and the long term health of our local economy,” said Wimberley Valley Watershed Association Executive Director David Baker.
During recent droughts, Jacob’s Well has stopped flowing due to increased groundwater pumping during dry periods. As a Market Maker, WVWA will work to implement market-based strategies to reduce groundwater pumping to better protect Jacob’s Well springflow, especially during times of drought.
