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From Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District: National Groundwater Awareness Week

This week is National Groundwater Awareness Week, running from March 9 through March 15, 2014. Groundwater is one of our most precious yet most vulnerable natural resources. Over 60,000 people in Central Texas rely on water from the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers within the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. Careful planning and management along with good stewardship are key to protecting this vital resource. In recognition of National Groundwater Awareness Week, the Aquifer District is specifically promoting several programs that highlight the importance of groundwater in our area.

Water Well Check-Up
In collaboration with the Texas Well Owner Network and Hays County Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the District is helping sponsor the 2014 Water Well Check-Up to encourage private well owners to test their well water. The District will cover the analysis cost ($10) for the first 60 well owners within the District to register. Water samples will be screened for fecal coliform bacteria, nitrates, and salinity. Water samples must be taken in approved sample containers and should be turned in by 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9. A meeting explaining screening results will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, at the Hays County Extension Office in San Marcos. For more information visit: www.bseacd.org/education/well-owners.

BSEACD College and Camp Scholarships
To promote and encourage groundwater awareness, each year the District, in collaboration with our permittees, offers scholarships for two age groups. One $2,500 Kent Butler Memorial College Scholarship and multiple camp scholarships to the Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center’s summer camp programs (both 2-day and 5-day camps) will be awarded. Application materials are due Tuesday, March 18. For more information visit: www.bseacd.org/education/scholarships.

Groundwater is a shared resource. Groundwater conservation, protection, and management has to be a coordinated effort. Through droughts and floods, we are all in this together.

Useful Links:

BSEACD is a groundwater conservation district charged by the Texas Legislature to preserve, conserve, and protect the aquifers and groundwater resources within its jurisdiction, which includes parts of three Central Texas counties. It is governed by a Board of five elected directors and staffed with hydrogeologists, groundwater regulatory compliance specialists, environmental educators, geospatial systems specialists, and administrative support personnel.

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Groundwater to the Gulf: FREE Summer Teacher Training

Register now for Groundwater to the Gulf: A summer institute for Central Texas Educators! Every year, water experts from over 13 agencies in Central Texas combine forces to take 50 teachers to the aquatic hotspots in and around Austin. We go caving, canoeing, hiking, and splash in streams–all in the name of science. It is the most fun, free way to earn 22 continuing education credits. Dip your hands into local water topics and try activities that help bring those topics back to your classroom.

Visit the Groundwater to the Gulf Registration page for more details including photos from years past, registration link, and sponsor info.

Sign-up is limited to 50 educators… and the first 30 that sign up and attend get a bonus Whole Earth Provision Company gift certificate. The entire training is free and includes lunch, prizes, and an armload of freebies, but you have to mail in a $50 check to guarantee your slot–which we give back once you complete the training. Join us! More info below! Please spread the word!

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2014 Annual Meeting

Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation will hold an annual meeting at 7:00 pm Thursday April 10, 2014 at the Ruby Ranch Lodge. The status of our water system including the newest Trinity well will be discussed as well as the election of 4 board members. For the director candidate application form and information on how to run for a board position please click here. The application form is “Exhibit A”, near the end of the document, on page 9. Please note the deadline to file an application is February 24, 2014.