Amplify SOS for the Love of Water

Amplify Austin kicks off TODAY at 6 PM (March 5th)—but you can donate anytime! 
This 24-hour giving event supports over 700 local nonprofits, and here’s why SOS should be at the top of your list: We’re on the frontlines defending Central Texas springs, rivers, and aquifers from overdevelopment and pollution. Your donation will be matched 50% by the generous contribution of the Kirk Mitchell Environmental Law Fund. 

At Save Our Springs, our legal efforts set us apart. We are the only local environmental group with a dedicated team of lawyers focused on protecting water quality and defending public voices. Through litigation and advocacy, we’ve secured major victories for our environment and community for over 30 years. Last year alone, we achieved significant legal victories that strengthened protections for Central Texas' water, land, and direct democracy.

SOS scored a major victory when a state district judge ruled that the Austin City Council’s two-minute limit on public comments violated the Texas Open Meetings Act. This decision reaffirms the right to be heard and holds City Hall accountable to the public.
SOS stopped Mayor Kirk Watson and the Austin City Council from sneaking 13 charter amendments onto the ballot without public input. Our swift legal action ensured transparency and accountability in local governance.

We successfully nullified a tax kickback zone on Lady Bird Lake’s south shore, stopping a $354 million taxpayer giveaway and safeguarding public parkland from privatization.
The proposed Mirasol Springs development threatens Hamilton Pool, Roy Creek, and surrounding natural treasures. Thanks to strong citizen participation, 46 public comments opposing its wastewater permit were submitted, and SOS secured the right to challenge three contested case hearings on Mirasol’s permits. 

amplify sos!

Support the SOS Legal Fights Ahead Combatting Mopac South Expansion 
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) is reviving the Mopac South expansion project—seven additional lanes over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Whirlpool Cave, and habitat for endangered species like the Austin Blind Salamander. Worse yet, CTRMA is trying to bypass a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). It will take all hands on deck and an enormous wave of community support to fight this proposal. 

 Challenging the I-35 Expansion
In Rethink35 v. TxDOT, we are fighting the I-35 mega-expansion, a project that would pollute the Colorado River, worsen air quality in East Austin neighborhoods, reinforce racial injustices of past highway projects. We demand better, community-focused alternatives that don’t further entrench car dependency and sprawl.

 Stopping Hays Commons
Milestone Community Builders has proposed Hays Commons, a 498-acre development with 700 homes and commercial space—right over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. This aquifer supplies drinking water to millions and feeds Barton Springs, home to endangered species. We’re gearing up to fight this reckless development and need your support!

Your support fuels our legal battles. Whether we’re defending clean (and available) water or open government, we rely on your backing to succeed. Every dollar allows us to grow our team and hire the experts we need to win these critical cases! $25, $50, $500—every donation of any size helps us protect Barton Springs and keep Texas’ waters flowing clean and clear.

Happy Amplify Austin Day!
SOS Alliance