Title
Consider EAA staff recommendation to approve an Interlocal Cooperation Contract with The University of Texas at Austin, in an amount not to exceed $165,299.43, for a study of long-term climate variability.
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. 26-007-AMS between the EAA and the University of Texas at Austin, in an amount not to exceed $165,299.43, 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 Austin for a study of long-term climate variability and its influence on Edwards Aquifer recharge through tree-ring streamflow reconstruction. This project uses tree-ring science to better understand long-term climate variability and its impact on recharge to the Edwards Aquifer, a critical water source for over two million people in Central Texas.
Key Objectives
• Reconstruct multi-century records of climate and streamflow using bald cypress tree-ring data.
• Improve understanding of how drought, temperature, and precipitation patterns affect aquifer recharge.
• Evaluate how shifting climate conditions across the region influence water availability.
Study Design
• Develop a west-east transect of tree-ring data across the Edwards Aquifer region to capture differences in rainfall and hydrologic response.
• Focus on major recharge rivers, including the Frio, Medina, Cibolo, and Blanco.
• Expand existing datasets and fill geographic gaps, particularly in the western portion of the aquifer region.
Project Tasks
• Field Sampling: Collect bald cypress core samples from multiple riparian sites across the region.
• Chronology Development: Process and analyze tree-ring samples to build accurate, site-specific growth records.
• Environmental Reconstruction: Use tree-ring data to reconstruct past seasonal climate conditions and streamflow using statistical models.
• Regional Analysis: Compare east-west differences in climate patterns and their effects on recharge and hydrologic variability.
• Reporting: Compile findings into a technical report with data, analysis, and management insights.
Project Timeline
• Duration: 18 months.
• Includes sampling, laboratory analysis, data reconstruction, comparative analysis, and final reporting.
Deliverables
• Updated and newly developed tree-ring chronologies across the Edwards Aquifer region.
• Reconstructed records of seasonal climate and streamflow for key recharge rivers.
• East-west comparative analysis of climate and recharge variability.
• Final technical report with datasets and recommendations to support water resource management.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
The University of Texas at Austin 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 $165,299.43. Because this contract spans two EAA fiscal years, funding for the first year ($110,750.62) is available in the 2026 operating budget. Funding for the remaining year of the contract ($54,548.81) will be included in the subsequent annual operating budget.