District 10 Councilmember Calls Protect the Edwards Aquifer

Published on December 05, 2025

District 10 Councilmember Calls for Stronger Safeguards to Protect the Edwards Aquifer Amid Guajolote Ranch Concerns

SAN ANTONIO (December 5, 2025) – On Friday, Councilmember Whyte and staff toured multiple sites around the Guajolote Ranch development with members of the Scenic Loop–Helotes Creek Alliance to better understand the potential implications of the recently approved wastewater permit for the development project. While the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued the permit and determined that the project meets its regulatory standards, the District 10 Councilmember believes more analyses should be conducted to determine if the discharge will pose risks to the Edwards Aquifer.

“The Edwards Aquifer is the lifeline of San Antonio and protecting it is paramount to the health and safety of our residents,” said Councilmember Whyte. “Even when a project receives state approval, we have a responsibility to independently evaluate its long-term impacts. In our view, any development—regardless of its size or scope—must meet the highest environmental safeguards.”

The TCEQ-issued permit allows the Guajolote Ranch development to release treated wastewater into a tributary that feeds the Upper Segment of the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. While noting that a landowner’s private property rights should always be respected, based on the Councilmember’s review and community feedback, District 10 is calling for stronger environmental protections, increased monitoring, and greater transparency when making decisions affecting the aquifer.