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Barton Springs is the Soul of Austin, TexasNestled in the heart of Austin, Texas, Barton Springs is a natural paradise fed by underground springs. Renowned for its year-round 68º sparkling waters and lush surroundings, Barton Springs is a haven for people, wildlife, and several endangered species. Barton Springs is fed by the Edwards Aquifer, a vast and vital underground water source that runs beneath the Texas Hill Country. Edwards Aquifer sustains drinking water and nourishes our ecosystems. These two interconnected wonders define Austin, offering relaxation, recreation, and supporting life, which is why safeguarding them is crucial for our city and the environment.
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Victories
Since 1992, the Save Our Springs Alliance (SOS) has been dedicated to protecting Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer.
1992 SOS OrdinanceLed the effort to pass the Save Our Springs Initiative Ordinance that enhanced water quality standards for development within the Barton Springs Zone of the Edwards Aquifer
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$260M in Conservation FundsHelped secure over $260 million in voter-approved funds for conservation lands to protect the Edwards Aquifer and Barton Springs
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Endangered Species ListingsPetitioned and won legal actions to require endangered species listings for the Barton Springs, Austin Blind, and Jollyville Plateau salamanders
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Austin's Water WatchdogFought to keep major highway expansions and pipelines out of the Hill Country and away from environmentally sensitive watersheds
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Our Focus
We work to protect the Edwards Aquifer, its watersheds, and the natural and cultural heritage of the Hill Country region, with special emphasis on Barton Springs.
ConservationSOS advocates for strong Edwards Aquifer watershed protection policies in the face of the rapid climate shifts. This involves monitoring land development, advocating for responsible land use & wastewater practices, and supporting measures to prevent pollution and over-pumping of groundwater. These efforts ensure Barton Springs runs clean and clear for decades to come.
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Education and OutreachThrough public awareness campaigns, community outreach, and educational programs, SOS aims to alert residents, local business owners, and policymakers about the importance of preserving Edwards Aquifer, Barton Springs, and the critical Recharge Zone.
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Legal AdvocacyWhen necessary, SOS Alliance takes legal action to protect the Edwards Aquifer and the Texas Hill Country. By challenging developments and practices that pose significant threats to water quality via litigation or policy advocacy, we apply parameters to an otherwise unchecked growth engine.
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