Title
Consider EAA staff recommendation to approve an Interlocal Cooperation Contract with The University of Texas at San Antonio, in an amount not to exceed $232,943.00, for a metagenomic approach to monitoring water within the contributing zone of the Edwards Aquifer.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the Research & Technology Committee recommend the board adopt a resolution and order of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving Contract No. 26-001-AMS between the EAA and the University of Texas at San Antonio, in an amount not to exceed $232,943.00, upon signature by both parties, through December 31, 2027.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Research & Technology Committee to consider an EAA staff recommendation to approve a contract between the EAA and the University of Texas at San Antonio for a metagenomic approach to monitoring water within the contributing zone of the Edwards Aquifer.
This project evaluates the impact of treated wastewater on water quality in the Contributing Zone of the Edwards Aquifer, with a focus on nutrients, pharmaceutical contaminants, and antibiotic resistance.
Key Objectives
• Assess wastewater-related chemical contaminants, including nutrients and pharmaceuticals linked to antibiotic resistance.
• Characterize microbial communities (bacteria and algae) and track antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across freshwater systems.
• Link water chemistry and microbial data to better understand wastewater influence and potential long-term ecosystem impacts.
Study Design
• Sampling will occur at three regional watersheds: Examples include Helotes/Gray Forest, Cibolo Creek (Boerne), and Hays County.
• At least nine total sites will be monitored, including upstream, wastewater outfall, and downstream locations.
• Sampling will take place during both dry (Summer 2026) and wet (Winter/Spring 2027) conditions.
Data Collection
• Field measurements: pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen.
• Laboratory analyses:
o Nutrients (nitrate, ammonium, phosphate) and dissolved organic carbon.
o Microbial community composition (bacteria, algae, and protists).
o Genetic analysis of antibiotic resistance using advanced DNA sequencing (metagenomics).
• Samples will include water, biofilm, and (if feasible) sediment.
Project Timeline
• Duration: January 2026 - December 2027.
• Major milestones include field sampling (2026-2027), laboratory analysis, data interpretation, and thesis completion.
Deliverables
• One Master’s thesis and at least one peer-reviewed publication.
• Comprehensive data package of all laboratory and field results provided to EAA.
Staffing
• Led by a university principal investigator.
• Supports one M.S. student and additional technician assistance during sampling phases.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
The University of Texas at San Antonio is not an M/WBE vendor.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item helps build and/or create Greater Understanding and Management Through Science - a key objective in achieving the EAA’s goals identified in the 2021-30 Strategic Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost associated with this contract is $232,943. Because this contract spans two EAA fiscal years, funding for the first year ($126,302) is available in the 2026 operating budget. Funding for the remaining year of the contract ($106,641) will be included in the subsequent annual operating budget.