In many ways, the debate surrounding renewal of the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program is hardly surprising.

Funded through a 1/8th cent sales tax, the conservation program purchases easements to protect the Edwards Aquifer from development. But the program has been in place for 15 years, and the majority of the land being preserved is outside Bexar County. This naturally raises questions as to the merits of the program, especially since there are so many needs in San Antonio that could use a funding boost.

Ideas have ranged from using these funds to support public transportation to improving Alamo Plaza and reinvesting in downtown. There have been whispers about a stadium, too.

None of these ideas has any connection to protecting the Edwards Aquifer, our most important and cheapest source of water. For that reason alone, they are not worth council consideration. At least, not at this time. It is, simply, putting the cart before the horse.

Including the first vote in 2000, the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program has been approved by voters three times. So has an associated linear creeks program, also supported with the 1/8th cent sales tax.

The two programs have been popular with voters, protecting the watershed from development, preserving green spaces and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

Yes, the Edwards program purchases conservation easements outside Bexar County, but this is due to water flow. The purchases protect water that city of San Antonio residents use.

Compared with massive water projects, this is a most affordable approach, and one that also affirms private property rights. While San Antonio Water Systems is pursuing new sources of water, such as the $3.4 billion Vista Ridge pipeline and desalination projects, the Edwards Aquifer continues to be our primary source of water. It makes little sense to pursue costly water projects while abandoning protection of the water we have locally.

Some have claimed, albeit without evidence, that the program has purchased conservation easements on land that is not in the path of development. What we do know is San Antonio has experienced immense growth in recent years, and about 1.1 million people are expected to move to the region by 2040. Certainly, those new residents mean more sprawl and more demand on the Edwards Aquifer.

Finally, this is a vision voters have endorsed three times, and that history should be honored. That doesn’t mean the program can’t change or evolve with time, but it does mean any changes from council should fit with the original intent of aquifer protection.

There also has been debate about when to let voters decide on whether to renew these programs. City Council should follow the lead of Councilman Ron Nirenberg and put the vote on the May ballot. The mayoral election guarantees stronger voter interest in the subject. Delaying until November opens the door to attempts to grab the tax funds for purposes not yet dreamed up.

Those who believe there are better uses for these funds can make their case to voters this election. If voters choose to reject Edwards Aquifer protection or linear parks, then we can have a discussion about new priorities at that time.