A longtime Medina County conservation group is calling for the closure of the century-old Bexar-Medina- Atascosa (BMA) Irrigation District canal system, which receives water from Medina Lake, arguing that the district's water management practices have prevented the lake from recovering from years of drought.
Medina Lake was constructed primarily as an irrigation reservoir in 1912 and currently serves approximately 300 to 500 farmers, who purchase irrigation water for $36 per acre-foot.
Conservation advocates say that this model no longer reflects the region's population growth, the economic importance of the lake to surrounding communities or Medina Lake's role in recharging the Edwards and Upper Trinity aquifers.
'We were down to 2 percent full at one point,' local homeowner and conservation advocate Rachel Mulherin said. 'We are now up to 5.8 percent full.
'Much of the water released from the dam is sent through 312 miles of canals to farmers and ranchers, who have not received any irrigation water for almost four years. We estimate that about 75 percent of the water released from Medina Lake is wasted. Of course, we don't know exactly how much is wasted because BMA refuses to install meters on the dam to measure releases. They also refuse to publish when they open the dam gates to release water. All in all, no one benefits from this.'
Mulherin, along with local Realtor Michelle Reichle and Sunset Resort at Medina Lake co-owner Sarah Voss, said they hope to meet with BMA stakeholders to discuss changes to how the lake is managed.
'BMA has a conservation level that they do not abide by,' Reichle said. 'We have approached the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality with that, and nothing.'
Reichle said she is also concerned about the impact low lake levels have had on fish and wildlife.
'Ten years ago, after we got out of the drought, Texas Parks and Wildlife restocked the lake with fish,' Reichle said. 'Now, the fish are confined to a very small part of the water. All the animals are having to travel farther to find water. It affects everything.'
Reichle, who sells waterfront properties around Medina Lake, said declining water levels have also affected the local economy.
'I'm selling waterfront properties with hardly any water,' Reichle said. 'Our lake used to draw people in. It's taken a toll on our local businesses. Thankfully, Sunset Resort is located on the best water.'
The conservation group is proposing a transition from surface water irrigation to groundwater by installing wells closer to agricultural properties, a proposal the group said is supported by a 2024 U.S. Geological Survey study.
According to the group, the study found that Medina Lake contributes significantly more recharge to the Edwards and Upper Trinity aquifers when the lake remains fuller. The group said recharge ranges from about 200 acre-feet per day when the lake is full to about 7 acre-feet per day when the lake is nearly empty.
'We honestly thought it would never happen again when we went dry 10 years ago,' Reichle said. 'But here we are 10 years later, and they've drained the lake again.'
The conservation group also contends Medina Lake has experienced water quality issues because of what it describes as an antiquated dirt canal system.
The group's concerns come as BMA continues to face legal disputes with the San Antonio Water System. In 2024, BMA asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by SAWS seeking to invalidate a long-term water supply agreement. SAWS alleges it has been required to pay for water BMA has been unable to deliver, while BMA disputes those claims.
In February 2025, the Fourth Court of Appeals ruled that the trial court should first consider BMA's jurisdictional arguments before allowing discovery to proceed.
'One of the problems is that only BMA district voters have a say,' Mulherin said. 'Stakeholders, including SAWS and waterfront property owners, don't get a say in how the water is managed.'
State Rep. Wes Virdell, whose office the group contacted, issued the following statement to the Bandera Bulletin: 'Our research confirms that Medina Lake was originally constructed as an agricultural reservoir to support the region's farming needs and food production. While recreation has become a cherished secondary benefit for countless families and visitors, the priority remains preserving its primary agricultural purpose until any change is formally evaluated and determined through the appropriate process.
'As a kid who grew up on the water, and with my granddad serving as the chief designer for Glastron for 30 years, I love being on a lake. I want to see all lakes full year-round, but that often isn't the case.
'Water in Texas has become as precious as oil. With each legislative session we are trying to address the complicated water issues facing Texans. That is why I joined the Texas Water Caucus to search for realistic solutions such as SB 616, which supports an increased water supply for the Edwards Aquifer through an amendment authorizing aquifer storage and recovery projects. We will address similar concerns in the next session as well.
'In the interim, we welcome ideas for resolutions directly from the people. Please call or email our office with any recommendations at 830-730-5925 or district53.virdell@house. texas.gov.
'Additionally, if someone upstream of Medina Lake is inappropriately using the water, it needs to be addressed. If folks are illegally pulling water from the lake, that also needs to be addressed. If you know of someone doing this, please let my staff know so we can notify the proper agency.'
The Bandera Bulletin reached out to BMA for comment but had not received a response by press time.
More information about the conservation group's efforts is available at Save-MedinaLake.com.
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