A geological formation or structure that stores and/or transmits water, such as to wells and springs. Use of the term is usually restricted to those water-bearing structures capable of yielding water in sufficient quantity to constitute a usable supply.
Acre feet (ac-ft, af)
Unit of volume used to describe large-scale water resources in the United States. The equivalent of flooding one acre of land with one foot of water.
Acre feet per year (ac-ft/yr, af/yr)
Time rate unit of acre-feet.
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific, and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and enhance our quality of life.
Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD)
A GCD created with to conserve, protect, and enhance the groundwater resources in its jurisdictional areal. The district was created in 1987 during the 70th Texas Legislature by Senate Bill 988 upon petition in the mid-1980s by most municipalities that depend on the Edwards Aquifer as a water supply in Travis and Hays Counties.
Basin and Bay Expert Science Team (BBEST)
Each Basin and Bay Expert Science Team (BBEST) develops an environmental flow analysis and a recommended environmental flow regime for their specific river basin and bay system. BBESTs are established by Basin and Bay Area Stakeholder Committees for specific river basins and bay systems listed in Texas Water Code Section 11.02362. These committees have specific tasks to perform to assist with the work of the Environmental Flows Advisory Group.
Best Management Practice (BMP)
A recognized superior operational practice that may be used by decision-makers when considering change.
Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG)
Established in 1909, the Bureau of Economic Geology in the Jackson School of Geosciences is the oldest and second-largest organized research unit at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to functioning as the State Geological Survey of Texas, the Bureau conducts research focusing on the intersection of energy, the environment, and the economy, where significant advances are being made tackling tough problems globally.
Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO)
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties. CAMPO approves the use of federal and state transportation funds within the region. MPOs are designated for all urbanized areas having a population greater than 50,000 as identified by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Capitol Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG)
Formed in 1970 and one of 24 councils of governments in Texas, CAPCOG for more than 43 years has served as an advocate, planner and coordinator on important regional issues in the 10-county Austin metropolitan area. CAPCO is a voluntary association established under state Local Government Code, Chapter 391.
Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN)
A CCN holder reserves the exclusive to provide retail water and/or wastewater service to a certain area. Chapter 13, Texas Water Code, requires the CCN holder to provide continuous and adequate service to a certificated area. CCNs are issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Clean Water Act (CWA)
Federal law that establishes a structure to regulate water quality.
Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ)
A CREZ is a geographic area where wind generation facilities will be constructed. In 2008, PUC issued order 33672 designating five CREZs for the generation of wind power and defining the required transmission upgrades to deliver wind generated energy to Texas consumers. The utilities code section 39.904 in conjunction with Senate Bill 20 (2005) established Texas's Renewable Energy Program and directed the Public Utility Commission to identify Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ).
Coordinated use of surface water and groundwater resources to optimize the yield of each resource and enhance reliability in a economically and environmentally responsible manner.
Consensus Water Planning (CWP)
A process that serves as a means to link state agencies to public citizens in the decision-making process. This approach intends to meet the needs of stakeholders with a variety of interests and objectives. The Texas Water Development Board uses this process in creating the State Water Plan.
Contributing Zone (CZ)
A term specific to Central Texas. It refers to the area in a watershed where water runoff flows into the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer.
Cost of Community Services (COCS)
Cost of Community Services (COCS) studies are a case study approach used to determine the fiscal contribution of existing local land uses. They evaluate working and open lands on equal ground with residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. They are a snapshot in time of costs versus revenues for each type of land use; they do not predict future costs or revenues or the impact of future growth.
Cubic feet per second (cfs)
Volumetric flow rate, usually used to measure flow in a river or stream. One cfs is equal to about 450 gallons per minute.
Desired Future Condition (DFC)
Defined in Title 31, Part 10, §356.10 (6) of the Texas Administrative Code as "the desired, quantified condition of groundwater resources (such as water levels, spring flows, or volumes) within a management area at one or more specified future times as defined by participating groundwater conservation districts within a groundwater management area as part of the joint planning process."
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
A measure of how much oxygen is dissolved in water; plays an important role in water quality and ecosystem health.
Drought of Record (DOR)
The current worst drought in Texas’s recorded history from 1947-1957; no other documented drought was as severe or as sustained. Also called the drought of the 1950s. Used in state water planning as a benchmark to compare recent droughts and to prepare for future droughts.
Drought Preparedness Council (DPC)
The Drought Preparedness Council reports to the Legislature on drought conditions in the state every odd-numbered year, advises the regional water planning groups on drought issues in regional plans, and ensures effective coordination among state, local, and federal agencies in drought-response planning. The Council was authorized and established by the 76th legislature (HB-2660) in 1999, subsequent to the establishment of the Drought Monitoring and Response Committee (75th legislature, SB-1).
Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA)
The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) is a regulatory agency established by the 73rd Legislature in May 1993 with the passage of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Act to preserve and protect this unique groundwater resource. Today, a 17-member board of directors representing Atascosa, Bexar, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Medina, and Uvalde counties continues its mission. Teams of geologists, hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, environmental technicians, educators, and administrative staff collaborate daily to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer for the approximately 2 million South Texans who rely on the aquifer as their primary source of water.
Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program (EARIP)
Multi-stakeholder group established by the Texas Legislature in 2007 and tasked with creating the habitat conservation plan for the Edwards Aquifer Authority
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Federal environmental law passed in 1973 to protect endangered and threatened species from the consequences of economic growth and development. In Texas, the ESA has been used as a tool in water planning and management.
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
Non-profit environmental advocacy organization. EDF is non-partisan and employs scientists, lawyers, economists, and other experts to work on issues including climate change, ecosystem restoration, oceans, and public health.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Federal agency whose mission is to protect human health and the environment.
Envision Central Texas (ECT)
Envision Central Texas is a nonprofit group created in 2002 to assist in the public development and implementation of a region vision when addressing growth in Central Texas, with an emphasis on land use, transportation, and the environment.
Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)
The ability of a government to act outside of its normal boundaries. Municipalities in Texas can reach beyond city limits to unincorporated areas to promote the general health, safety, and welfare, here, in the context of water and wastewater services.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Federal government agency whose mission it is “to to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.”
A surface water management term used to denote surface water purchased mainly by municipal and industrial customers and is available without cutback through a repeat of the drought of record, currently the drought of the 1950s. Firm water customers pay higher rates than interruptible water customers.
Firm yield represents the maximum water volume a reservoir can provide each year under a repeat of the state’s drought of record, the period of time during recorded history when natural hydrological conditions provided the least amount of water supply. For Texas as a whole, the drought of record is generally considered to be from about 1950 to 1957.
An area in a river basin or an area that lies near a lake officially determined to be at risk for flooding. A 100-year floodplain delineates an area that would be affected by a flood so large that experts believe it has a 1 percent, or one out of 100, chance of happening in any given year. A 100-year flood could occur within the same year or within a few short years. Other measures include 10-year floods (10% chance of occurring), 50-year (2% chance), and 500-year floods (two-tenths of 1% chance).
The volume of water passing a given point during a certain unit of time. Typically expressed as cubic feet per second, or cfs. Also known as flow rate or discharge.
Fresh Water Supply District (FWSD)
Districts authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1919 to provide and distribute water for domestic and commercial use.
Gallons per capita per day (GPCPD)
Units used to measure water the water use of one person in one day. GPCPD can be used to estimate future water demand and track conservation goals.
Gallons per minute (GPM)
Volumetric flow rate, usually used to measure pumping from surface water or groundwater.
Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA)
A nonprofit organization that advocates for the protection and preservation of the Edwards Aquifer, its springs, watershed, and the Texas Hill Country that sustains it.
Water that lies below the surface of the ground. This water is usually in an aquifer or underground stream or lake. To access this water for drinking and other purposes wells are drilled to draw up groundwater to the surface.
Groundwater Availability Model (GAM)
Models developed by the Texas Water Development Board to “estimate future trends in the amount of water available in an aquifer.”
Groundwater Conservation District (GCD)
Political entity created within groundwater management areas to manage groundwater by providing a balance between landowner rights and water resource protection. This is the State’s preferred method of groundwater management.
Groundwater Management Area (GMA)
A boundary defined by the Texas Water Development Board designating a suitable area to manage groundwater resources. GMAs generally coincide with aquifer boundaries, unlike GCDs.
Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA)
A ten-county statutory district authorized by Texas Legislature to protect, conserve, reclaim, and steward resources within the district.
Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)
A planning document required as a part of the Incidental Take Permit application for entities with proposed projects that may harm endangered or threatened species. HCPs explain the anticipated impacts of the project on species and how those impacts can be detrimental to a species.
Hays-Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD)
Groundwater conservation district whose mission it is to conserve, preserve, recharge and prevent waste of groundwater within western Hays County.
Hill Country Alliance (HCA)
A nonprofit organization whose purpose is to raise public awareness and build community support around the need to preserve the natural resources and heritage of the Central Texas Hill Country.
House Bill - H.B. #
A Texas House Bill by number.
Initially Prepared Plan (IPP)
Initial water plan provided by regional water planning groups to the Texas Water Development Board.
International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC)
A binational agency that applies the boundary and water treaties of the United States and Mexico and that settles disputes that may arise in their application.
A surface water management term for water purchased mostly for agricultural irrigation at a lower cost than firm water, is available on a year-to-year basis and is subject to curtailment during water shortages (a Lower Colorado River Authority definition.) Interruptible water customers pay lower rates than firm water customers.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
A rating system designed by the US Green Building Council to encourage environmentally responsible and efficient building design, construction, maintenance, and operation.
Low Impact Development (LID)
A development approach to manage stormwater runoff that works with the natural landscape to maintain a watershed’s hydrologic and ecological functions.
Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)
LCRA provides electricity, manages the lower Colorado River, builds and operates transmission lines across the state, among other tasks. LCRA was created by Texas Legislature in 1934.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The maximum concentration of a chemical that is allowed in public drinking water systems. The MCL is established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE)
A gasoline additive that can be introduced to groundwater supplies through leaking underground storage tanks at gas stations.
Milligrams per liter (mg/L)
Unit of mass concentration used in water quality measurements. Describes how many milligrams of a substance are in one liter of water.
Million gallons per day (MGD)
Units used to express water use.
Modeled Available Groundwater (MAG, formerly Managed Available Groundwater)
The amount of water that can be produced from an aquifer on an average annual basis in order to achieve a DFC Defined in the Texas water code.
Municipal Utility District (MUD)
A political subdivision of the State of Texas authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to provide water, sewage, drainage, and other services within the MUD boundaries.
Municipal Water Supply District (MWSD)
Districts created to meet municipal needs for water supply, solid waste disposal, and water treatment.
National Conservation Easements Database (NCED)
A public-private partnership that compiles records from land trusts and public agencies throughout the United States to create a national database of conservation easements.
National Wildlife Federation (NWF)
NWF works to improve federal and state policies that will improve wildlife conservation on hundreds of millions of acres of public, tribal and private lands, including thousands of miles of streams, rivers, lakes and coastlines across America.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
NRCS provides America’s farmers and ranchers with financial and technical assistance to voluntarily put conservation on the ground, not only helping the environment but agricultural operations as well.
Notice of Intent (NOI)
A formal announcement of intent sent to an agency. In Texas, for example, NOIs are required to apply for permits to discharge water into other water bodies.
Non-point Source Pollution (NPS)
Water runoff that carries a variety of pollutants from a variety of sources to streams, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. Rainfall runoff carries soil, pesticides and other residues of everyday human and animal activity into water. The effect is a deluge of dirt, trash, and toxics that produce more water pollution than all the sewage and industrial plants in the nation.
Payments for Watershed Services (PWS)
An agreement between upstream and downstream users in a watershed, wherein upstream landowners receive payment or other benefits from downstream users in exchange for managing land according to BMPs.
Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC)
Private, member-owned electric utility in the Texas Hill Country.
Point Source Pollution
Discharges of wastewater or other potential pollutants that come from a specific point, like a drain or a pipe, are referred to as “point-source” discharges. This type of pollution is regulated and generally requires a permit.
Potential Evapotranspiration (PET)
The amount of evapotranspiration that would occur if water uptake was unlimited by availability.
Priority Groundwater Management Area (PGMA)
Areas identified to have critical groundwater problems either now or in the future, such as shortages of groundwater or surface water, land subsidence as a result of groundwater withdrawals, or groundwater contamination.
Public Improvement District (PID)
A Public Improvement District (PID) is a defined geographical area established to provide specific types of improvements or maintenance within the area which are financed by assessments against the property owners within the area. Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code authorizes the creation of PIDs by cities, and what type of projects PIDs can be used for.
Public Utility Authority (PUA)
A governmental jurisdiction created to provide public utilities to an area.
Public Utility District (PUD)
A governmental jurisdiction created to provide public utilities to its residents.
Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Programs
Voluntary transactions between landowners and public or private entities in which the development rights to real property are sold in order to preserve the land in its natural state.
Recharge Zone (RZ)
A term specific to Central Texas. It refers to the area in a watershed in the Edwards Aquifer region where water runoff flows into the aquifer through faults, fractures, and fissures in the ground.
Regional Water Planning (RWP)
The bottom-up consensus-driven approach Texas uses for the water planning process established by Texas Legislature in 1997.
Regional Water Planning Groups (RWPG)
There are 16 regional planning groups in Texas, each consisting of members representing a variety of interests.
A natural flowing waterbody that flows into another water body. Flow in many rivers and streams in Texas are supported by groundwater flows.
A term used to designate the area drained by a river and its tributaries.
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
The main federal law to ensure that drinking water is safe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets required standards for drinking water quality and oversees their implementation. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality sets and enforces standards at the state level that comply with federal law.
San Antonio Water System (SAWS)
A public utility owned by the City of San Antonio created in 1992 to provide water services.
Save our Scenic Hill Country Environment (SOSCHE)
An organization committed to sensible development of the Texas Hill Country. The group was created primarily in response to wind energy development in the hill country.
Save Our Springs Alliance (SOS)
The Save Our Springs Alliance works to protect the streams and springs of the Edwards Aquifer area, and the natural and cultural heritage of the Texas Hill Country region.
Senate Bill - S.B. [#]
A Texas Senate Bill by number
Special Utility District (SUD)
A statutory category that encompass the varieties of districts that may be created under law to provide utilities (E.g. MUDs, PUDs, Subsidence Districts, etc.)
Species Recovery Plan (SRP)
A plan with specific protocols to protect and enhance rare and endangered species populations.
Stakeholder Committee (SHC)
A group of affected individuals representing diverse interests on a project/issue; generally created to facilitate the gathering of perspectives and data pursuant to a planning process or resolution of issues on a particular subject/project.
Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT)
A nonprofit organization created to promote the conservation of open space, wildlife habitats, and natural resources on private working lands.
Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts (TAGD)
A group established to give groundwater conservation districts the opportunity to communicate ideas and develop or influence programs related to groundwater in Texas.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
The environmental agency for the State of Texas. The TCEQ oversees operations related to drinking water, water use and availability, and water quality.
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB)
Nonprofit organization representing the interests of farmers, ranchers, and rural families.
Texas Groundwater Association (TGA)
Association with a mission to preserve groundwater resources and advance the science and technology of well construction.
Texas Land Application Permits (TLAP)
A permit required by TCEQ to dispose of treated effluent by land application, e.g. surface irrigation, evaporation, drain fields or subsurface land application.
Texas Land Trust Council (TLTC)
Nonprofit organization that promotes and sustains the conservation efforts of Texas land trusts.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)
State agency that oversees the protection of wildlife and their habitats. The TPWD also manages state parks and historical areas.
Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES)
Regulatory program to control discharges of pollutants to surface waters.
Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA)
Nonprofit educational and trade association dedicated to the improvement of water quality and supply.
Texas State Data Center (TXSDC)
The Texas State Data Center and Office of the State Demographer, in cooperation with a network of affiliates, functions as a focal point for the distribution of Census information for Texas. The Center also disseminates population estimates and projections for Texas, as well as other information from the federal government, state government, and other sources.
Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB)
State agency that administers Texas’ soil and water conservation law and coordinates conservation and nonpoint source water pollution abatement programs throughout the State.
Texas Water Code (TWC)
State statute that provides governance for water in Texas. Different sections address different areas of water governance such as water quality, water rights, groundwater conservation districts, etc.
Texas Water Conservation Association (TWCA)
Organization devoted to conserving, developing, protecting, and using the state’s water resources for all beneficial purposes.
Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
State agency charged with leadership, planning, financial assistance, information, and education for the conservation and responsible development of water for Texas. TWDB has three board members.
Texas Water Foundation (TWF)
Nonprofit organization that aims to raise public awareness on water issues facing the State of Texas.
Texas Water Utilities Association (TWUA)
Organization that assists the water utility industry by providing training programs, technical publications, and problem solving opportunities.
Texas Wildlife Association (TWA)
Organization whose mission it is to serve Texas wildlife and its habitat, while protecting property rights, hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources.
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)
Global initiative to focused on highlighting the costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment formerly the River Systems Institute (RSI)
As a part of Texas State University, the Meadows Center engages in multidisciplinary research to provide holistic, practical, and science-based solutions to water challenges around the world.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Nonprofit conservation organization that works to protect ecologically important lands and waters. In Texas, TNC owns more than 30 nature preserves and conservation properties and assists private landowners in conserving their land through land-preservation agreements.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
A measure of inorganic and organic substances in water, where particle size is small enough to pass through a filter with a pore size of two micrometers. TDS is Measured in mg/L.
Total Estimated Recoverable Storage (TERS)
The TWDB defines the total estimated recoverable storage as the estimated amount of groundwater within an aquifer that accounts for recoverable storage scenarios that range between 25 percent and 75 percent of the porosity-adjusted aquifer volume.
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
A calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that can enter a waterbody and still allow that waterbody to meet water quality standards. Depends on flow volume and flow rate.
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
An exchange of rights in order to develop certain parcels of land where development may be restricted.
Trust for Public Land (TPL)
Nonprofit organization that creates parks and protects land for humans. TPL is responsible for many park and conservation projects across Texas.
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE, also Corps)
Federal agency involved in engineering, design, and construction management projects under the Department of Defense. The Corps primarily is associated with dams, canals, and flood management, but also engages in environmental regulation and ecosystem restoration.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Federal executive department responsible for policies regarding farming, agriculture, forestry, and food. In Texas, USDA focuses on rural development.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Federal agency whose responsibilities include administration of the Endangered Species Act.
United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Federal agency in charge of the natural sciences, including geology, environmental science, climatology, biology, and hydrology.
Water Availability Model (WAM)
Computer simulation used to predict the amount of water remaining in a river or stream under specific conditions.
Water Conservation District (WCD)
A special district created under law to provide water to an area.
Water Control and Improvement District (WCID)
A special district created under law to provide water and wastewater to an area.
Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT)
Nonprofit technical and educational organization comprised of professionals devoted to protecting and enhancing the state’s water resources.
Water Improvement District (WID)
A special district created under law to provide water to an area.
Water Supply Corporation (WSC)
A special district created under law to provide water to an area.
Water User Group (WUG)
Distinctions made the the Texas Water Development Board in regional planning for population and water demand projections. WUGs include cities, utilities, and county-other rural areas.
All lands enclosed by a continuous hydrologic drainage divide and lying upslope from a specified point on a stream. Also referred to as Water Basin or Drainage Basin. Also, a ridge of relatively high land dividing two areas that are drained by different river systems. Also referred to as Water Parting.
Wholesale Water Providers (WWP)
Those sources like river authorities, wholesale water purveyors, etc. that provide water to retail suppliers including municipalities and special water districts
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)
Voluntary federal program to aid landowners who want to conserve wildlife habitats. The program is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and provides technical and financial assistance. As of February 2014, funding is no longer provided through WHIP. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) now includes some of the former WHIP Statute.