Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of The Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association, dba Trinity Edwards Science and Policy Alliance (TESPA) is to protect the Trinity and Edwards aquifers, the springs that flow from this interconnected system, and protect these waters for the people and wildlife who use and depend on them.
- Income
- $703,802
- Spending
- $711,870
- Spent on programs
- 98%
- Reserves
- 2.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 10
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 68 out of 100. Higher than 32% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 240% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1598% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 23% of charities in its peer group (environment, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $697,280 spent. During 2025, TESPA continued its work to protect groundwater resources and spring systems in the Texas Hill Country, with a primary focus on regulatory enforcement, aquifer protection, and public education. TESPAs principal activity during the year involved filing a complaint at the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) related to Aqua Texas admitted over-pumping within the Trinity Aquifer system serving the Wimberley Valley region. Building on actions initiated in 2024, TESPA pursued regulatory remedies seeking enforcement of groundwater permit limitations and conservation requirements. TESPA developed an evidentiary record demonstrating systemic over-pumping and significant water loss associated with aging infrastructure and excessive line leakage. TESPA requested that the PUC require corrective actions, including infrastructure repairs and limitations on new customer connections until compliance with applicable groundwater regulations is achieved. The matter was fully briefed during 2025 and remains pending before the State Office of Administrative Hearings and the Public Utility Commission. In addition, TESPA conducted public education and outreach activities related to groundwater conservation, aquifer science, and sustainable water management. TESPA also expanded collaborative efforts with peer organizations, research institutions, and conservation groups focused on groundwater science, watershed protection, environmental policy, and aquifer sustainability in order to advance long-term groundwater protection strategies throughout Central Texas.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since November 2016.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.