Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance

What Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance does

The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2002 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, that operates as the primary regional coalition dedicated to protecting the Edwards and Trinity aquifers, springs, watersheds, and the Texas Hill Country. GEAA coordinates 59 nonprofit member groups across a 21-county region in Central and South Texas, operating under a 100% consensus governance model and led since 2004 by Executive Director Annalisa Peace. The organization delivers advocacy, public education, and grassroots organizing against threats including urban development pollution, overpumping under the antiquated Rule of Capture, inadequate wastewater infrastructure, rock quarry activity, and emerging issues such as data center water demand.

GEAA's core offerings are advocacy programs, educational resources, and donor programs rather than software products. Principal programs include the 'Under Our Feet' interactive educational platform built on ArcGIS StoryMaps, the Aquifer & Groundwater Curriculum for K-12 classrooms, the Water Wonks Hour monthly lecture series, and an interactive mapping toolset covering member groups, sewage spills (2012-2017), and wastewater treatment facility risk assessments developed in partnership with Texas State University. Donor and membership programs comprise the Water Guardians individual membership ($1,000-$10,000+ annually), Texans For Every Drop (TED) business membership ($200-$5,000+), the Adopt-A-Salamander program supporting Texas Blind Salamander habitat, and the William Jack Sibley Endowment Fund (initiated 2022). Annual revenue is generated through individual donations, business partnerships, recurring monthly memberships, special campaigns (Guajolote Ranch, Save Salado Creek, Mystic Shores Neighbors, Hays Residents for Land and Water Protection), event sponsorships (GALA 2026), endowment gifts, and merchandise sales through an online store.

GEAA's go-to-market is community-led, combining direct digital engagement via a 5,000+ subscriber email list, social channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), public-facing interactive maps, monthly lectures, the annual GALA, and a member organization network that distributes messaging across local communities. Strategic partnerships with Texas State University (GIS mapping), Texas A&M AgriLife (water research), the EPA (Sole Source Aquifer framework), the Edwards Aquifer Authority, the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, and the Texas Water Development Board underpin its technical and policy work.

Name

Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance

Legal name

Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance

Website

https://aquiferalliance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2002 in San Antonio that unites 59 member organizations across a 21-county Central and South Texas region to protect the Edwards and Trinity aquifers through science-based advocacy, public education, and community organizing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Advocacy Services

NAICS

Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Business Associations (813910), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Civil Liberties & Constitutional Rights Advocacy (BPAGAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)

Keywords

• Water conservation advocacy
• Aquifer protection
• Environmental education
• Nonprofit coalition
• Watershed management

Headquarters

HQ city

San Antonio

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: GEAA receives tax-deductible contributions from individuals supporting aquifer protection. Donation options include one-time donations and recurring monthly contributions ($20/month through the $20 for 20 years campaign).
2. Membership Programs: Water Guardian membership program offers annual giving levels from $1,000 to $10,000+ with corresponding benefits including event invitations, private tours, and recognition.
3. Business Partnerships: Texans for Every Drop (TED) business membership program allows companies to join at various levels ($200 to $5,000+) with benefits including window decals, website recognition, e-blast exposure to 5,000+ subscribers, and event recognition.
4. Special Campaigns: Targeted fundraising for specific initiatives including Adopt-A-Salamander program, Guajolote Ranch Fund, Save Salado Creek, Comfort Neighbors, Mystic Shores Neighbors, and Hays Residents Protection.
5. Endowment and Legacy Giving: William Jack Sibley Endowment Fund provides permanent funding through major gifts ($10,000+) and planned giving options including bequests.
6. Merchandise Sales: GEAA operates an online store selling merchandise including t-shirts and resource materials to support conservation efforts.
7. Event Revenue: Annual GALA events generate sponsorship and ticket revenue. The 2026 Gala features sponsorship opportunities and auction donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

GEAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy coalition that protects the Edwards and Trinity aquifers across a 21-county region in Central and South Texas through science-based advocacy, public education, and grassroots organizing. The organization convenes 59 nonprofit member groups and engages individual donors, businesses, and government stakeholders in aquifer stewardship initiatives.

Product overview

The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates a collection of advocacy programs, educational resources, and community engagement initiatives rather than a unified software product. Core offerings include the interactive educational platform 'Under Our Feet' built on ArcGIS StoryMaps, the Texans for Every Drop business membership program, and various donation/adoption programs like Adopt-A-Salamander. The organization provides educational resources including classroom curricula, the Water Wonks Hour lecture series, and publishes research on aquifer protection, wastewater management, and water policy. Additional offerings include the GEAA Store for merchandise, interactive member group mapping tools, and Water Guardians membership for major donors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Texans For Every Drop (TED): A group of forward thinking local business owners who are invested in the preservation of the Edwards Aquifer and Texas Hill Country. Business membership campaign with tiered sponsorship levels ($5,000+, $3,000-$4,999, $1,500-$2,999, $1,000-$1,499, $200-$999).
• Water Guardians
• Adopt-A-Salamander
• William Jack Sibley Endowment

Products and services

• GEAA Store Merchandise store offering branded apparel, accessories, and goods to supporters of GEAA's aquifer protection mission.
• Under Our Feet Educational program and materials designed to teach the public about what lies beneath them, focused on groundwater and aquifer awareness.
• Texans for Every Drop (TED) Corporate and business partnership program that connects water-dependent businesses with aquifer conservation advocacy.
• Adopt-A-Salamander Symbolic adoption program supporting the conservation of aquifer-dependent salamander species endemic to the Edwards Aquifer region.
• Water Wonks Hour Lecture Series Recurring lecture series featuring expert presentations on groundwater science, policy, and conservation topics for members and the public.
• Interactive Map of Member Groups Online interactive map displaying the geographic footprint and contacts of GEAA's 59 nonprofit member organizations across the 21-county service area.
• Aquifer & Groundwater Curriculum Educational curriculum package for teachers and students covering aquifer and groundwater science and conservation.
• GEAA Publications Published reports, whitepapers, and educational materials produced by GEAA on aquifer and groundwater topics.
• Water Guardians Volunteer-based community program engaging residents in monitoring, advocacy, and stewardship of local water resources.
• GEAA Membership Individual membership program offering supporters benefits and a formal connection to GEAA's aquifer protection mission.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sustains drinking water for over 2 million Central Texas residents
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Texas State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with Texas State University students and faculty for GIS mapping projects including mapping wastewater treatment facilities across the Edwards Aquifer region and vulnerability analysis of sewage spills.
• Texas Water Resources Institute / Texas A&M AgriLifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with university research institutions on water-related research and extension projects addressing statewide water issues.
• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEPA recognizes the Edwards Aquifer as a 'Sole Source' water supply. GEAA maintains active partnerships with EPA through state agency liaisons and regional programs.
• Edwards Aquifer AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency regulating the Southern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. GEAA engages in policy advocacy and provides input on aquifer management decisions.
• Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal district regulating pumping in the Barton Springs segment. GEAA works with the district on aquifer protection and conservation efforts.
• Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency creating regional flood control planning groups and administering water development funding. GEAA's 2027 legislative agenda includes priorities for TWDB funding and programs.
• San Antonio River AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal river authority engaged in watershed management. GEAA has member representation on SARAs Environmental Advisory Committee and Westside Creeks Restoration Oversight Committee.
• Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)minorOthersRiver authority building water systems in the Barton Springs segment. GEAA advocates against LCRA infrastructure projects that enable high-density development over the aquifer.
• Guadalupe Blanco River AuthorityminorOthersRiver authority involved in water supply infrastructure. GEAA monitors and advocates regarding river authority projects affecting aquifer watersheds.
• KLRN (Public Television)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with local public television station KLRN to produce educational DVD about the Edwards Aquifer.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Environment Texas: Statewide citizen-funded environmental advocacy organization working on clean water, open spaces, and pollution reduction. Closely comparable advocacy, fundraising, and policy model to GEAA, with broader Texas scope.
• San Marcos River Foundation: Nonprofit dedicated to protecting the San Marcos River and its watershed. GEAA member group with a directly comparable water-resource advocacy mission in the same 21-county region.
• Hill Country Alliance: Regional nonprofit coalition focused on preserving the Texas Hill Country's natural resources, water quality, and scenic landscapes. Closely comparable mission, regional geography, and coalition-of-nonprofits model to GEAA.
• Save Our Springs Alliance: Central Texas advocacy nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Barton Springs contributing zone and Edwards Aquifer water quality. Directly comparable advocacy mission on the same aquifer system, overlapping member geography.
• Texas Land Conservancy: Statewide nonprofit focused on land conservation and protecting Texas natural and agricultural resources. Comparable nonprofit conservation model operating across Texas with overlapping donor and partner networks.

Broad incumbents

• Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter: Texas chapter of the national Sierra Club, engaging in environmental advocacy including water and aquifer protection. GEAA member group (Alamo Group / Lone Star Chapter), comparable mission with much larger parent organization.
• National Wildlife Federation: National advocacy and conservation organization addressing wildlife, water, and habitat. Operates in similar advocacy and policy space as GEAA but at national scale and with significantly larger resources.
• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit working to protect land for public access and conservation, including Texas projects. Broader land-conservation scope with significantly larger endowment and national footprint.
• The Nature Conservancy in Texas: Texas branch of a global conservation organization focused on land and water protection. Comparable mission around freshwater systems, but operates with a much larger endowment and a broader, science-based rather than advocacy-based model.

Regional players

• Audubon Texas: Texas branch of the National Audubon Society working on bird habitat and water-related conservation. Comparable nonprofit environmental advocacy model with overlapping Texas geography and donor base.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Greater-Edwards-Aquifer-Alliance-GEAA-74467896453
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/greater-edwards-aquifer-alliance
• Instagraminstagram.com/greateredwardsaquiferalliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance