Barton Springs Flows Remain Critically Low - Even after the two-week closure intended for cleaning and maintenance, Barton Springs is experiencing an alarming accumulation of algae. With flow levels at just 17 cubic feet per second (cfs) — well below the historical average of 66 cfs — management has been unable to lower water levels. The endangered salamanders cannot withstand further reductions in water levels when flows are already so low. Without the ability to lower pool levels, management is unable to unclog the shallow end drain (which is clogged again) or perform essential silt removal and deep cleaning.
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Despite some rain over the past few weeks, the Texas Hill Country remains on the verge of Stage IV drought according to the latest update from BSEACD. Conditions are likely to become worse, with March forecasted to be hotter and drier than normal.

Ways To Help - While we push for stronger policies on municipal conservation, water reuse, and sustainable development, individual action remains essential. Real change happens when concerned citizens and water stewards take charge, making smart choices in our homes, businesses, and communities.

• Capture & Reuse Water – Collect A/C condensate, rainwater, and graywater for irrigation and household use. 
• Rethink Your Landscape – Swap water-hungry lawns for native plants and xeriscaping. Use mulch to retain moisture and plant shade trees to reduce soil evaporation.
•  Upgrade Your Fixtures – Install WaterSense-rated appliances, low-flow toilets, and high-efficiency irrigation to cut down on waste. 
•  Find & Fix Leaks – A single leaky faucet can waste 3,000+ gallons per year. Check toilets, pipes, and irrigation systems regularly.

Water is our most precious resource—how we use it today determines our future. Your support helps us push for stronger water protections, take legal action when necessary, and expand our efforts to educate more people about Barton Springs and our unique watersheds in Central Texas.

Celebrate World Water Day with SOS Celebrate World Water Day 2025 with Save Our Springs as we hike the beautiful waterfalls along the Barton Creek Greenbelt this Saturday, March 22nd! Join SOS field guides and special guest, Andrew Harrod of Save Barton Creek Association to learn more about the ecology and history of the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

Andrew Harrod grew up exploring Austin’s parks, which inspired him to study Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M. After 13+ years teaching science, he transitioned to a career in natural resources, working with Austin Wildland Conservation and the Texas Wildlife Association. Now, as VP of Programs for Save Barton Creek Association, Andrew is a passionate advocate for protecting our water resources and loves sharing his knowledge as a Capital Area Master Naturalist.

Fun Fact from Andrew: Did you know that Barton Creek sits at the meeting point of three major ecoregions—the Post Oak Savannah, Blackland Prairie, and Edwards Plateau? This unique convergence means you'll see Hill Country plants like Ashe juniper and mountain laurel, but as you get closer to the Colorado River, a whole new world of flora emerges—oak trees, sycamores, and even palmettos!

• WHEN - Saturday, March 22nd at 8am-11:30am
• WHERE - Hill of Life, Meet at the new SOS HQ (3201 Menchaca Dr) at 8AM for free transportation in our SalaVander to trailhead. Self-drive guests, meet at trailhead (1710 Camp Craft road Austin Tx 78746) at 8:30am. SalaVander will be heading back to SOS HQ from trailhead at 11:30am.

Last week, we had an important victory in our ongoing lawsuit against the proposed expansion of I-35 in Central Austin, Rethink35 et al v. TxDOT. To strengthen our case, we enlisted the expertise of Krish Vijayaraghavan, a nationally recognized environmental expert with over 20 years of experience. His analysis confirmed something alarming: PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) pollution levels in the project area already exceed the EPA’s updated safety standard of 9.0 µg/m³, finalized just last year. This means the proposed expansion could worsen air quality, further endangering Austin residents—especially those in historically Black and Latino neighborhoods already facing high rates of respiratory illness.Although TxDOT’s attorneys tried to block Mr. Vijayaraghavan’s testimony, the court ruled in our favor, ensuring that his critical findings remain part of the case. This ruling is a win for transparency and accountability, and it gives us important momentum as we push for a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to fully assess the project’s potential harm to Austin’s communities.

We’re now entering the final stages of this lawsuit, and the next few weeks will be pivotal. This effort has been fueled by the hard work and resources of our community, especially Rethink35 and our co-plaintiffs. But we can’t finish this fight without your help.
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If you believe in fighting for cleaner air and water, healthier neighborhoods, and a better future for Austin, please consider making a donation to help finish this lawsuit. Let’s push for a better future together.

Don’t let the rain over the past couple of weeks fool you. The Texas Hill County is still in a drought with flows from Barton Springs barely above the threshold for Stage IV drought. The Barton Springs discharge flow rate is a shocking 12 cubic feet per second according to the current USGS water data, with the average being 66 cfs.

With March expected to be hotter and drier than normal, every drop counts. Please join us in continuing to conserve water as much as possible by following these simple tips. Our aquifers, springs, and endangered salamanders depend on your actions. Additionally, consider taking advantage of residential rebate programs that save water and money:
Austin Water Rebates
LCRA Service Area Rebates
City of Kyle Rebates
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Stay informed by reading the latest drought update from BSEACD and make sure you're doing your part to conserve and protect our precious water. 

SOS is Now on Bluesky and Meetup!We’re expanding our reach! Follow us on Bluesky (our handle is @ savoursprings.bsky.social) It's a great alternative to the Meta monopoly—where we’ll be posting updates, actions, and news more regularly.

Join us on Meetup to stay up to date on eco-tours, snorkel adventures, and other upcoming events. Let’s connect, explore, and protect our springs together!
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 Follow us on Bluesky here
 Join our Meetup group here

Explore Barton Creek with Us! We kicked off our first eco-tour of the season this past Saturday in honor of International Women’s Day, and it was an incredible experience! Huge thanks to Kirstin Boyd-Farmer of Westcave Preserve for leading the way.

Don't miss our upcoming adventures:
 Saturday, March 22 – Hill of Life Trailhead: Upper falls Hike & Swim with Andrew Harrod of Save Barton Creek Association
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 Sunday, March 30 – Lost Creek Greenbelt Trailhead to Upper Falls with Ed Crowell, SBCA board member and author of Barton Creek (2019)

YOU DID IT! In 24 hours, we raised $15,510 -- the largest Amplify Austin Day total in our history, surpassing our previous record by over $5,000! We are beyond grateful. This record-breaking success would not have been possible without YOUR SUPPORT! Thank you for your generosity and for believing in our mission.

We want to give another big shoutout to the folks at I Live Here I Give Here for making this day of giving possible year after year. Also a every donation will be matched 50% by the Kirk Mitchell Environmental Law Fund! Together, with our incredible community of supporters like you, we are able to expand our team of lawyers & educators, as well as turn our Eco-tour "SalaVander" into a billboard for SOS on wheels, bringing in new members from across the region.

Your continued loyal support drives the fight to protect Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, and the Texas Hill Country for decades to come. 

In Gratitude,
SOS Alliance

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.