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IN THIS ISSUE: This THURSDAY - Don’t Let Item 43 Privatize Our Parks This FRIDAY - SOS Benefit @ Central Machine Works with Wild Child Wed, Nov 12 - Better MoPac Action Hour, SOS Headquarters, 6-8 pm Thank You to Our Generous BSU Sponsors!  Coming Up at Council: Don’t Let Item 43 Privatize Our ParksHeads up, Austin. Item 43 on this week’s City Council agenda could transform how concessions operate in our city parks, and not for the better. The proposed policy overhaul hands major decision-making power over concessions, including who gets to profit from selling food, renting kayaks, and more, to private non-profits through Park Operations and Maintenance Agreements (POMAs). Sounds harmless? Think again: these non-profits will directly benefit from the very concessions they approve. That’s a clear conflict of interest and a dangerous step away from transparent, public oversight of our shared green spaces. And it gets worse. The new policy creates a special “Legacy Concession” class for vendors who’ve held their spot for 20 years or more, allowing them to bypass the competitive bidding process that everyone else faces. Sure, some long-standing vendors have built great relationships with the community and have done good work. But shouldn’t every applicant—old or new—compete on a level playing field? Those community ties and a track record of service should absolutely count in the scoring rubric, not as a golden ticket to sidestep public competition and keep control of public parkland indefinitely. Our parks are for everyone, not just a privileged few with the right connections or a grandfathered contract. If approved, Item 43 risks entrenching special interests, reducing transparency, and undermining trust in how the City stewards public parkland. Want a park system that’s fair and open to all? Urge Council to demand real accountability: require all concessions, legacy or not, to compete under the same fair process—with public oversight, not backroom deals. Sign up to speak here.  MoPac Action Hour: It’s Time to MobilizeOur first MoPac Action Hour sparked something powerful, and now it’s time to activate. Join us for another MoPac Action Hour, where we’ll turn our shared passion and determination into organized action. When: Wednesday, November 12th, 6-8pm Where: SOS Headquarters, 3201 Menchaca Rd. Austin TX 78704 The Better MoPac Coalition is growing fast, uniting individuals, organizations, and businesses to demand smarter, more sustainable solutions for the MoPac South corridor. Together, we can stop the unnecessary sprawl and push for upgrades that actually improve safety, traffic flow, and PROTECT one of the most ecologically diverse corridors in the world. This session, we’ll break into focused small groups and tackle specific projects Why it matters: Expanding MoPac would pave over 8 miles of the Recharge Zone, destroying hundreds of trees, endangered species' habitat, filling caves, and allowing polluted water straight into Barton Springs, the soul of our city.  Wild Child @ CMW – Benefitting Save Our Springs! THIS Friday, November 7 | FREE SHOW Join us this Friday, November 7th for another awesome night of live music with Austin indie-pop favorites Wild Child, performing as part of CMW’s Next Stage Concert Series supporting local nonprofits. This free concert is a chance to connect with the community, celebrate Austin’s creative spirit, and raise awareness for Save Our Springs Alliance. Come early, grab a drink (special cocktails support the cause), snag a limited SOS t-shirt, and dance under the stars to the lush harmonies and heartfelt songs that made Wild Child local legends and fun for the whole family. Let’s come together to support local, live music, protect Barton Springs, the Edwards Aquifer, and everything that keeps Austin’s heart beating wild.  An extra special thank you to our GENEROUS SPONSORS (listed above). Their support is helping shape the next generation of local environmental stewards and change-makers. This year, we introduced 10 brand-new hands-on activities, from groundwater aquifer models that bring science to life, to community quilt making, clothing repair lessons, a mycelium-inspired capture-the-flag game, and tree planting right next to the springs! Thank you to all of our Presenters and Activity Partners; you all made a deep impression on this transformative day. SOS would like to give a shout-out to our keynote speaker, Charles “Chuck” Foster Jr., who captivated the crowd with personal storytelling and a powerful message about Gen Z leading the way in conservation and change.  photographs of BSU 2025 by Carli Rene @inkedfingers Stay tuned! We’ll be sharing more highlights from this very special day, and we already have big plans for 2026. In the meantime, we hope to see you at City Hall for the City Council meeting on Thursday or Central Machine Works for big fun with Wild Child on Friday!
With immense gratitude, SOS Alliance IN THIS ISSUE: |
 | Honoring Robert Redford: “The Unforeseen” at Alamo South Lamar! Join us NEXT Sunday afternoon (4:30 pm), October 26th, for a special Robert Redford tribute screening of The Unforeseen at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. The film will be preceded by special cuts from a Robert Redford interview at Barton Springs, and then followed by a Q&A with Director Laura Dunn and SOS Executive Director Bill Bunch. Plan to socialize further afterward at the Highball. Please get your tickets here before they disappear. Spooky season is upon us, but the scariest threats to our community and environment are happening right now. Come out, connect with your neighbors, and stand together to protect what we love. We need your energy, your voice, and your passion. |
We hope to see you in the courthouse, at the rally, or at the movies!
SOS Alliance
SOS Alliance
A developer is seeking to dump treated municipal sewage into Onion Creek.
Join us at a TCEQ public meeting to oppose the permit on Monday, October 6th at 7pm at 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs, TX, 78620 and submit written comments here using permit no. WQ0016475001.
Issues with the Draft Permit for TPDES Permit No. WQ0016475001:
Allied Development, LLC, (an out of town developer who does not have an approved development plan, does not have an approved source of water for the development, and does not own the property for the development) has applied for new TPDES Permit No. WQ0016475001 (the draft permit) to discharge 45,000 gallons per day of treated municipal sewage into Onion Creek to serve the high-density development Madelynn Estates near Ranch Road 12 and FM 150. The draft permit has effluent limits of 5 mg/L CBOD, 5 mg/L TSS, 2 mg/L Ammonia Nitrogen, .15 mg/L TP, and 6 mg/L TN. The draft permit does not have any effluent limits for emerging contaminants of concern.
SOS is concerned that the draft permit will violate water quality standards by reducing dissolved oxygen in Onion Creek, causing fish kills, harming wildlife, causing metabolic and behavioral changes in wildlife, causing nuisance algal blooms, making recreation unsafe, and failing overall to maintain water quality.
Many of these water quality violations will be caused by the excess phosphorus and nitrogen, also known as nutrients, contained in wastewater. Algae and aquatic plants take up the nutrients as they grow, and the more they have, the more they grow. When the algae and aquatic plants grow too much, they can cause dissolved oxygen levels to plummet, cause fish kills, cause changes in the community of animals living in a stream, and make human recreation unpleasant and unsafe.
Pristine Hill Country streams, like Onion Creek, have naturally low levels of phosphorus and nitrogen; that is one of the reasons the water is so clean and clear. Even a little bit extra phosphorus and nitrogen can cause an overgrowth of algae and aquatic plants and other negative changes in the stream.
For the permit here, the total phosphorus limit in the draft permit is ten times higher than the limit estimated by U.S. EPA reports that is needed to protect Hill Country streams. And studies conducted by Dr. King and Dr. Back from Baylor University in Onion Creek show that the total phosphorus limit in the draft permit is too high and will likely cause harmful algae blooms. The same goes for total nitrogen.
In addition to nutrients in the wastewater, the wastewater discharge will contain emerging contaminants of concern. Emerging contaminants of concern include personal care products, pesticides, soaps, pharmaceuticals, PFAS/PFOA and other harmful chemicals. TCEQ has not analyzed the harms these contaminants will cause in Onion Creek even though these contaminants are harmful to Onion Creek and human health.
All of this pollution is particularly concerning because Onion Creek is an important recharge feature for the Edwards Aquifer and the Middle Trinity Aquifer. Nearby wells and downstream springs are at risk of contamination from pathogens, emerging contaminants of concern, and nitrates due to wastewater pollution.
We hope to see you at the public meeting to echo these concerns and to urge TCEQ to follow the Clean Water Act, deny the draft permit, and protect Onion Creek!
Join us at a TCEQ public meeting to oppose the permit on Monday, October 6th at 7pm at 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs, TX, 78620 and submit written comments here using permit no. WQ0016475001.
Issues with the Draft Permit for TPDES Permit No. WQ0016475001:
Allied Development, LLC, (an out of town developer who does not have an approved development plan, does not have an approved source of water for the development, and does not own the property for the development) has applied for new TPDES Permit No. WQ0016475001 (the draft permit) to discharge 45,000 gallons per day of treated municipal sewage into Onion Creek to serve the high-density development Madelynn Estates near Ranch Road 12 and FM 150. The draft permit has effluent limits of 5 mg/L CBOD, 5 mg/L TSS, 2 mg/L Ammonia Nitrogen, .15 mg/L TP, and 6 mg/L TN. The draft permit does not have any effluent limits for emerging contaminants of concern.
SOS is concerned that the draft permit will violate water quality standards by reducing dissolved oxygen in Onion Creek, causing fish kills, harming wildlife, causing metabolic and behavioral changes in wildlife, causing nuisance algal blooms, making recreation unsafe, and failing overall to maintain water quality.
Many of these water quality violations will be caused by the excess phosphorus and nitrogen, also known as nutrients, contained in wastewater. Algae and aquatic plants take up the nutrients as they grow, and the more they have, the more they grow. When the algae and aquatic plants grow too much, they can cause dissolved oxygen levels to plummet, cause fish kills, cause changes in the community of animals living in a stream, and make human recreation unpleasant and unsafe.
Pristine Hill Country streams, like Onion Creek, have naturally low levels of phosphorus and nitrogen; that is one of the reasons the water is so clean and clear. Even a little bit extra phosphorus and nitrogen can cause an overgrowth of algae and aquatic plants and other negative changes in the stream.
For the permit here, the total phosphorus limit in the draft permit is ten times higher than the limit estimated by U.S. EPA reports that is needed to protect Hill Country streams. And studies conducted by Dr. King and Dr. Back from Baylor University in Onion Creek show that the total phosphorus limit in the draft permit is too high and will likely cause harmful algae blooms. The same goes for total nitrogen.
In addition to nutrients in the wastewater, the wastewater discharge will contain emerging contaminants of concern. Emerging contaminants of concern include personal care products, pesticides, soaps, pharmaceuticals, PFAS/PFOA and other harmful chemicals. TCEQ has not analyzed the harms these contaminants will cause in Onion Creek even though these contaminants are harmful to Onion Creek and human health.
All of this pollution is particularly concerning because Onion Creek is an important recharge feature for the Edwards Aquifer and the Middle Trinity Aquifer. Nearby wells and downstream springs are at risk of contamination from pathogens, emerging contaminants of concern, and nitrates due to wastewater pollution.
We hope to see you at the public meeting to echo these concerns and to urge TCEQ to follow the Clean Water Act, deny the draft permit, and protect Onion Creek!
IN THIS ISSUE:
City Council – Convention Center site plan back for approval (again)
CAMPO TIP – Regional Transportation Comment period open until Oct. 10
Oct. 4 – Bill Bunch Honored at Travis Audubon Award Ceremony
Oct. 10 – Central Machine Works concert with Grupo Fantasma benefiting SOS
City Council – Convention Center site plan back for approval (again)
CAMPO TIP – Regional Transportation Comment period open until Oct. 10
Oct. 4 – Bill Bunch Honored at Travis Audubon Award Ceremony
Oct. 10 – Central Machine Works concert with Grupo Fantasma benefiting SOS
Another chance this week to demand a vote and transparency on the $5 billion convention center travesty.If you are able to join us Thursday morning at City Hall, please sign up to speak here before noon tomorrow (Wednesday) at this link to speak against City Council Agenda Item 63. You may speak or donate time to others; you may also call in to speak remotely.
Specifically, Item 63 calls for the City Council to approve a site plan for the new convention center project. This is a do-over: City Council already voted to approve the site plan a few weeks back. SOS filed an appeal for the simple reason that no site plan existed at that time for the council to approve. It was still in review and the limited backup showed there were still major problems with flooding/drainage, sidewalk safety and access, and other site plan issues. We haven't had time to wade through the over 200 sheets of design drawings that are now linked in the backup for Item 63. But we are doing that (and could use some help with this too).
Meanwhile, the Save Austin's Soul petition drive that would force a vote on the $5.6 billion project and 30 year commitment for a giant new center is in the home stretch. If you are a City of Austin voter and haven't signed yet please do. Go to the link for locations to sign. You can also print out a copy or two of the petition and get your friends, family, and colleagues to sign. And be sure to watch and share The Magic Hole for all the truth on why this project is a disaster for Austin's future -- wasting billions of dollars and guaranteeing 30 years of poverty and neglect for what we most love about Austin.
Enjoy HAAM Day today, and donate generously to HAAM to support all Austin musicians!!
Specifically, Item 63 calls for the City Council to approve a site plan for the new convention center project. This is a do-over: City Council already voted to approve the site plan a few weeks back. SOS filed an appeal for the simple reason that no site plan existed at that time for the council to approve. It was still in review and the limited backup showed there were still major problems with flooding/drainage, sidewalk safety and access, and other site plan issues. We haven't had time to wade through the over 200 sheets of design drawings that are now linked in the backup for Item 63. But we are doing that (and could use some help with this too).
Meanwhile, the Save Austin's Soul petition drive that would force a vote on the $5.6 billion project and 30 year commitment for a giant new center is in the home stretch. If you are a City of Austin voter and haven't signed yet please do. Go to the link for locations to sign. You can also print out a copy or two of the petition and get your friends, family, and colleagues to sign. And be sure to watch and share The Magic Hole for all the truth on why this project is a disaster for Austin's future -- wasting billions of dollars and guaranteeing 30 years of poverty and neglect for what we most love about Austin.
Enjoy HAAM Day today, and donate generously to HAAM to support all Austin musicians!!
Weigh in on How Your Regional Transportation Dollars Are Allocated by October 10thThe Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) is currently hosting an open house to gather public input on proposed amendments to the 2025-28 Transportation Improvement Program. Here is the proposed TIP, with a full list of the projects.
Unfortunately, most of the transportation funding continues to be directed toward highway expansion. However, we would like to highlight two specific projects that raise significant concerns and deserve your attention:
Now is your chance to weigh in on these important decisions and help shape a more equitable and community-centered transportation future for our region!
Unfortunately, most of the transportation funding continues to be directed toward highway expansion. However, we would like to highlight two specific projects that raise significant concerns and deserve your attention:
- MPO ID: 51-00299-00 – Zilker Bridge Replacement – This $40 million allocation, with $32 million from federal funds, will be used to replace the bridge over Barton Creek immediately downstream of Barton Springs. The Zilker Park Bridge is a cherished and structurally sound historic landmark that only requires basic maintenance, not costly demolition and replacement. Claims of safety and structural issues are exaggerated, and replacing the bridge would mainly serve private interests while harming Zilker Park’s environment and heritage. Preserving the bridge protects both Austin’s history and the community’s enjoyment of this beloved park. Please voice your opposition to this project.
- MPO ID: 51-00189012 – Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk Extension – This $25 million allocation is brought forward as mitigation for the I-35 expansion, but this project does little to repair the harms inflicted on East Austin communities and parklands from the highway’s expansion. Instead, it primarily benefits wealthy south shore landowners (between South First and South Congress Ave.), while East Austin residents, who have borne the brunt of environmental injustice and will face years of park closures and disruption, are left out. Until the money is spent, there are ways to change course. We encourage CAMPO and City of Austin leaders to reject the boardwalk plan and instead invest in meaningful, community-drive solutions that restore and expand parkland to serve the communities that most need it.
Now is your chance to weigh in on these important decisions and help shape a more equitable and community-centered transportation future for our region!
 | We are thrilled to announce that our Executive Director, Bill Bunch, has been named the 16th honoree of Travis Audubon’s Victor Emanuel Conservation Award! Bill is being recognized for more than three decades of tireless work protecting Barton Springs, the Edwards Aquifer, and the wildlife that depend on them—including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler. The award will be presented on October 4th, 2025, at Travis Audubon’s annual celebration at the beautiful Junior League of Austin. Tickets officially ended on September 5, 2025, but if you weren’t able to meet that deadline due to extenuating circumstances and would still like to attend, a limited number of spots may be available by contacting Lisa Ramie at [email protected]. Please join us in congratulating Bill for this well-deserved honor and for his unwavering dedication to defending the natural treasures that make Austin so special. We hope to see you there! |
| Two big nights for the Springs are coming to Central Machine Works’ Next Stage Concert Series! On Thursday, Oct. 10, Austin’s own Grupo Fantasma takes the stage in the newly renovated beer garden, raising funds for Save Our Springs Alliance. Grupo Fantasma is an Austin-based Latin funk and soul orchestra known for its explosive live performances and genre-blending sound. Both concerts are part of CMW’s 11-week free music series, where every show supports a different local nonprofit. For SOS, it’s a chance to reach hundreds of Austinites with our message while raising funds to keep Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer protected as well as raising awareness about the looming MoPac expansion proposals we are gearing up to fight together. Bring friends, grab a drink (special cocktails support the cause), and be part of the movement to protect what makes Austin home. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music at 7:30 p.m. Don't miss Grupo Fantasma - a group that delivers high-energy music with infectious rhythms and powerful horn sections, perfect for a night of dancing, celebration, and community impact. |  |
Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and engaged in protecting Austin’s waters and wild spaces. Every voice, every action, every donation makes a difference. Stay involved, keep speaking up, and keep fighting for the future we all want to see.
In Solidarity,
SOS Alliance
In Solidarity,
SOS Alliance
As summer comes to a close, we are excited to celebrate the success of our summer internship program. Over the past few months, eight college students—many studying environmental science and related fields—along with one passionate high school student, dedicated their weekends to engaging with the community, sharing the vital narrative of our precious aquifer and the pressing challenges that confront our local parks' ecosystems.
Before hitting the field, interns completed extensive training on the science and history behind the aquifer. A few students even tied their internship experience to academic research and projects, exploring topics ranging from civil rights to the I-35 highway expansion.
A highlight of the program was a field trip to the San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center, where interns saw Barton Springs Salamanders and Austin Blind Salamanders up close, deepening their understanding of the species that depend on our water resources.
Before hitting the field, interns completed extensive training on the science and history behind the aquifer. A few students even tied their internship experience to academic research and projects, exploring topics ranging from civil rights to the I-35 highway expansion.
A highlight of the program was a field trip to the San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center, where interns saw Barton Springs Salamanders and Austin Blind Salamanders up close, deepening their understanding of the species that depend on our water resources.
Their commitment has made a real difference. This summer alone, we celebrated the addition of 196 new memberships, a testament to the enthusiasm they generated, and successfully raised over $12,000 through merchandise sales and generous donations from community supporters.
Field Manager Fin Kirsch and intern Landry Kern give a thumbs-up for Barton Springs. Photo by Alejandra Paredes
Interns Jules Strickland and Gabby Ellis talk about the convention center petition.
Even more significant than the financial figures are the inspiring stories of interaction; our interns actively educated countless visitors, igniting a new passion among our community to protect the invaluable natural resources that define our region.
We are deeply grateful to our interns for their dedication and to everyone who supported our mission this summer. Together, we are forging a stronger, more educated community that is committed to the stewardship of our parks and waterways, ensuring their preservation for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Alberto Cortes showing pictures of his favorite Barton Springs creature: the American Eel.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Convention Center Petition Drive Locations and Links
Hays County Road Bonds Open Houses
Barton Springs University Needs Volunteers - Oct 28th
Convention Center Petition Drive Locations and Links
Hays County Road Bonds Open Houses
Barton Springs University Needs Volunteers - Oct 28th
Let's Finish the Save Austin's Soul Petition Drive - Please Sign!Please Help Finish the Save Austin's Soul Petition Drive! We're Almost There.
For all who love Austin's local culture and nature-in-the-city, we need your support over the next few weeks to finish the Save Austin's Soul petition drive. With at least 20,000 signatures of registered City of Austin voters, we can force a public vote on the $5.6 billion new convention center (boondoggle) project. We’re within reach, but we need 26,000 to guarantee the 20,000 valid signatures needed.
Without this petition, our Mayor and Council will hang over $4 billion of debt around the necks of Austin voters and taxpayers for the next 30 years. This money rightfully belongs to what drives Austin's economy, makes Austin a great place to live, and actually draws visitors to all of Austin, not just the southeast corner of downtown. With your help we can put over $100 million every year into the pockets of the people, places, and activities that make Austin Austin.
Visit AustinUnitedPAC.com for all the info on how you can print the petition and get 10, 20, 30 or more friends and neighbors to sign the petition!
This is our chance to say no to greed, waste, and a multi-billion dollar arena that does nothing to improve our fair city. Instead, let's say yes to community priorities like arts, housing, culture, and public parks. Let's stop digging the hole and start building something better. Please find and sign the petition. Share it. Help us win back our right to vote on the future of our city.
For all who love Austin's local culture and nature-in-the-city, we need your support over the next few weeks to finish the Save Austin's Soul petition drive. With at least 20,000 signatures of registered City of Austin voters, we can force a public vote on the $5.6 billion new convention center (boondoggle) project. We’re within reach, but we need 26,000 to guarantee the 20,000 valid signatures needed.
Without this petition, our Mayor and Council will hang over $4 billion of debt around the necks of Austin voters and taxpayers for the next 30 years. This money rightfully belongs to what drives Austin's economy, makes Austin a great place to live, and actually draws visitors to all of Austin, not just the southeast corner of downtown. With your help we can put over $100 million every year into the pockets of the people, places, and activities that make Austin Austin.
Visit AustinUnitedPAC.com for all the info on how you can print the petition and get 10, 20, 30 or more friends and neighbors to sign the petition!
This is our chance to say no to greed, waste, and a multi-billion dollar arena that does nothing to improve our fair city. Instead, let's say yes to community priorities like arts, housing, culture, and public parks. Let's stop digging the hole and start building something better. Please find and sign the petition. Share it. Help us win back our right to vote on the future of our city.
Wimberley & Dripping Springs: Speak Up to Protect Water and Stop Roads That Cost YouHelp protect our water, land, and taxpayer dollars by attending the upcoming Hays County Road Program Open Houses and by speaking out against new and expanded roads in environmentally sensitive areas.
After a court ruled that the Hays County Commissioners illegally called the $440 million 2024 Road Bond Election, the Commissioners are now trying to sidestep voters by pushing through “certificates of obligation”—a move that bypasses your right to approve this massive public spending on roads with serious environmental concerns. Despite the court’s decision, the commissioners have already voted to move forward with $240 million in funding for these controversial roads. Now, they’re asking for input on which roads to build first—without giving you a real say on whether these projects should happen at all.
We need your voice to protect Hays County’s most environmentally sensitive areas. Developers are pushing for projects including an extension of RM 150 around Dripping Springs (the “Southwest Connection”) and expansions of Darden Hill and Fitzhugh Road so taxpayers—not developers—foot the bill. These roads would speed up unsustainable growth, threaten our water resources, and leave residents paying the price.
Our Water is Limited: These new roads would provide more access to rural areas, meaning more development and putting extra pressure on our already stressed aquifers.
Sensitive Creeks and Aquifers at Risk: Road construction and polluted runoff threatens water quality by endangering pristine creeks, spring flow, and groundwater.
Protect Taxpayers: These road projects mainly benefit developers, not residents, and are being pushed through without direct voter approval, raising big concerns about transparency and who pays the bill.
Invest in Safety: Funding should prioritize maintaining and improving the safety of our existing roads, not building new ones.
Your Voice Matters: Now is your chance to speak up at upcoming public meetings and help shape decisions that will impact our community and natural resources for generations.
Upcoming Open Houses
Attend an open house and let Hays County leaders know that protecting our water and environment must come first, and that residents should not be forced to subsidize roads for private development.
After a court ruled that the Hays County Commissioners illegally called the $440 million 2024 Road Bond Election, the Commissioners are now trying to sidestep voters by pushing through “certificates of obligation”—a move that bypasses your right to approve this massive public spending on roads with serious environmental concerns. Despite the court’s decision, the commissioners have already voted to move forward with $240 million in funding for these controversial roads. Now, they’re asking for input on which roads to build first—without giving you a real say on whether these projects should happen at all.
We need your voice to protect Hays County’s most environmentally sensitive areas. Developers are pushing for projects including an extension of RM 150 around Dripping Springs (the “Southwest Connection”) and expansions of Darden Hill and Fitzhugh Road so taxpayers—not developers—foot the bill. These roads would speed up unsustainable growth, threaten our water resources, and leave residents paying the price.
Our Water is Limited: These new roads would provide more access to rural areas, meaning more development and putting extra pressure on our already stressed aquifers.
Sensitive Creeks and Aquifers at Risk: Road construction and polluted runoff threatens water quality by endangering pristine creeks, spring flow, and groundwater.
Protect Taxpayers: These road projects mainly benefit developers, not residents, and are being pushed through without direct voter approval, raising big concerns about transparency and who pays the bill.
Invest in Safety: Funding should prioritize maintaining and improving the safety of our existing roads, not building new ones.
Your Voice Matters: Now is your chance to speak up at upcoming public meetings and help shape decisions that will impact our community and natural resources for generations.
Upcoming Open Houses
Attend an open house and let Hays County leaders know that protecting our water and environment must come first, and that residents should not be forced to subsidize roads for private development.
- Dripping Springs, September 17, 2025; 5–7pm; Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center - 1042 Event Center Dr., Dripping Springs, TX (Hosted by Comm. Smith, Prec. 4)
- Wimberley, September 18, 5–7pm; Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley, TX (Hosted by Comm. Hammer, Prec. 3)
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Barton Springs University – Volunteers Needed! Barton Springs University (BSU) is an outdoor, hands-on environmental education event that brings hundreds of students to Barton Springs to explore science, water, and the natural world in a fun, immersive way. We need volunteers Tuesday, October 28th to help make this unforgettable experience possible! Roles include setup and breakdown, lunch monitors, student guides, activity assistants, snorkel tour support, and more!
Volunteer guides will join students as they meet live animals, test water quality, and explore an immersive, life-size cave simulation. You’ll see firsthand the excitement of students discovering science in action and helping them navigate a day full of interactive learning.
All volunteers receive a free t-shirt, lunch, and the chance to connect with fun people. There's a variety of shifts up for grabs, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
No experience is necessary, just curiosity, energy, and a love for Barton Springs!
Volunteer guides will join students as they meet live animals, test water quality, and explore an immersive, life-size cave simulation. You’ll see firsthand the excitement of students discovering science in action and helping them navigate a day full of interactive learning.
All volunteers receive a free t-shirt, lunch, and the chance to connect with fun people. There's a variety of shifts up for grabs, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
No experience is necessary, just curiosity, energy, and a love for Barton Springs!
 | Save Our Springs MOSS Benefit Sale THIS Saturday, Sept. 13!It’s time to treat yourself and do some good! MOSS Designer Consignment’s Semi-Annual Benefit Sale is back Saturday, Sept. 13 at Canopy Projects Gallery, and this year Save Our Springs is one of the lucky local nonprofits that gets a share of the proceeds. All funds raised from these designer duds will go towards this year's Barton Springs University! Score hundreds of designer pieces (think The Row, Zimmerman, Rachel Comey, and more) at prices starting at just $20. The other two beneficiaries are Casa Marianella, who provide shelter and support for immigrant families, and KUTX/KUT News, which keeps our community informed with local journalism. We all need your support, and this annual event is a unique and fun way to show up. |
Whether shopping for a cause at MOSS today or volunteering at Barton Springs University, every action you take helps protect our water and our communities for the long haul. These opportunities make a tangible difference for future generations and our shared environment.
Together, our voices and efforts create the region we want to live in. Keep showing up, stay engaged, and keep Central Texas a truly special place to live and thrive by supporting SOS.
With gratitude,
SOS Alliance
Together, our voices and efforts create the region we want to live in. Keep showing up, stay engaged, and keep Central Texas a truly special place to live and thrive by supporting SOS.
With gratitude,
SOS Alliance
How Austin Cut Water Use by 31% and Why We Can’t Stop Now
by Paul Robbins
by Paul Robbins
 | In July of 2024, the Save Our Spring Alliance posted a story entitled “The Coming Austin Water Shortage” on potential, and likely, water shortages that will afflict Austin in the coming decades. To address this potential emergency, SOS is publishing a five-part series on water conservation policies. This is Part 2. |
In This Story…
• In 2007, a bold new plan was created to boost water conservation. Between 2007 and 2019, Austin’s per capita per day water consumption fell 31%.
• Austin created mandatory irrigation schedules which dramatically lowered water consumption. These were reinforced by consumers concern of the region’s drought and water shortages.
• Rebates were awarded for efficient toilets and clothes washers. These were superseded by national standards that were pervasive and even more effective.
• Mandatory local inspections were required for large commercial landscapes, car washes, and cooling towers.
• More accurate water meters were installed.
• New and novel requirements for onsite water reuse in commercial buildings for non-potable uses like irrigation are now being implemented, as well as measures to greatly reduce irrigation consumption in single-family homes.
• Ironically, increased water rates drove down consumption even more.
• In 2007, a bold new plan was created to boost water conservation. Between 2007 and 2019, Austin’s per capita per day water consumption fell 31%.
• Austin created mandatory irrigation schedules which dramatically lowered water consumption. These were reinforced by consumers concern of the region’s drought and water shortages.
• Rebates were awarded for efficient toilets and clothes washers. These were superseded by national standards that were pervasive and even more effective.
• Mandatory local inspections were required for large commercial landscapes, car washes, and cooling towers.
• More accurate water meters were installed.
• New and novel requirements for onsite water reuse in commercial buildings for non-potable uses like irrigation are now being implemented, as well as measures to greatly reduce irrigation consumption in single-family homes.
• Ironically, increased water rates drove down consumption even more.
In May 2007, Austin City Council’s Water Conservation Task Force approved an aggressive set of water conservation proposals created by the Austin Water’s staff and volunteers. It recommended 20 new programs that would save almost 33 million gallons a day of peak demand, the equivalent of 17% of the utility’s peak day in 2010.
Shortly after this, water use began plummeting. Measured in “Gallons Per Capita Per Day,” there was a profound 31% drop in consumption between 2007 and 2019. (This is based on a 5-year average to compensate for weather variations.)
Shortly after this, water use began plummeting. Measured in “Gallons Per Capita Per Day,” there was a profound 31% drop in consumption between 2007 and 2019. (This is based on a 5-year average to compensate for weather variations.)
We have lost momentum on conservation. This prompts several questions.
1. What circumstances and programs lead to this dramatic decrease?
2. Is there more conservation potential given this already noticeable decline, or has Austin saturated its possibilities?
3. Has Austin’s substantial supply-side construction program created a financial conflict of interest against future conservation progress?
Austin Water seems to have rested on its previous achievements rather than answering these questions.
Austin Water has made progress in water-pipe leak repair and water-pipe maintenance schedules, but there is not even a hint of a plan for system-wide replacement, nor ways to eliminate the use of toxic-to-manufacture PVC pipe in future expansions. Moreover, (as will be discussed in a later story) the overall effort to prevent leaks have not been successful.
So, here’s what we know has worked for successful conservation results:
1. Watering Schedules
In 2007, Austin Water implemented a mandatory two-day-per-week landscape watering schedule with fines for repeat violators. Around 2013, this shifted to a once-per-week watering schedule for all automatic irrigation systems across all customer types. Residential hose watering was still allowed twice per week. This once-per-week schedule – originally created to deal with drought conditions – was made permanent in 2016.
The effectiveness of these watering schedules was likely boosted by the public awareness of extreme climate conditions, as regional temperatures rose steadily since 2007 due to global warming.
1. What circumstances and programs lead to this dramatic decrease?
2. Is there more conservation potential given this already noticeable decline, or has Austin saturated its possibilities?
3. Has Austin’s substantial supply-side construction program created a financial conflict of interest against future conservation progress?
Austin Water seems to have rested on its previous achievements rather than answering these questions.
Austin Water has made progress in water-pipe leak repair and water-pipe maintenance schedules, but there is not even a hint of a plan for system-wide replacement, nor ways to eliminate the use of toxic-to-manufacture PVC pipe in future expansions. Moreover, (as will be discussed in a later story) the overall effort to prevent leaks have not been successful.
So, here’s what we know has worked for successful conservation results:
1. Watering Schedules
In 2007, Austin Water implemented a mandatory two-day-per-week landscape watering schedule with fines for repeat violators. Around 2013, this shifted to a once-per-week watering schedule for all automatic irrigation systems across all customer types. Residential hose watering was still allowed twice per week. This once-per-week schedule – originally created to deal with drought conditions – was made permanent in 2016.
The effectiveness of these watering schedules was likely boosted by the public awareness of extreme climate conditions, as regional temperatures rose steadily since 2007 due to global warming.
Average annual historical temperature for Travis County From National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate at a Glance Statewide Mapping: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/
At the same time, due to the excessive heat, lack of rainfall and lax management of the water consumption, the Highland Lake levels plummeted. In 2014, they were at record lows since the Lakes were first full in the 1942 after construction (when population of Travis County was about 10% of its current size).
Annual average historical storage of the Highland Lakes Data from Texas Water Development Board.
2. Toilet Standards and Rebates
Nationally, toilet efficiency has greatly improved, with the 2014 standard of 1.28 gallons/flush saving 74 to 82% compared to pre-1985 models. Some toilets use as little as 0.8 gallon/flush. However, there is no accounting for how many of these old units are still installed in Austin Water’s service territory.
These are durable appliances that can last the life of a building. Austin Water offered aggressive rebates to encourage replacements, with about 148,000 discounted or free toilets distributed from 2007 and 2011, saving roughly 620 million gallons a year (about 1.4% of Austin’s 2023 water use) and 1.7 million gallons per day reduction in water use. Despite this success, most toilet incentive programs ended in 2011.
Nationally, toilet efficiency has greatly improved, with the 2014 standard of 1.28 gallons/flush saving 74 to 82% compared to pre-1985 models. Some toilets use as little as 0.8 gallon/flush. However, there is no accounting for how many of these old units are still installed in Austin Water’s service territory.
These are durable appliances that can last the life of a building. Austin Water offered aggressive rebates to encourage replacements, with about 148,000 discounted or free toilets distributed from 2007 and 2011, saving roughly 620 million gallons a year (about 1.4% of Austin’s 2023 water use) and 1.7 million gallons per day reduction in water use. Despite this success, most toilet incentive programs ended in 2011.
National water consumption requirements for toilets sold in the U.S.
3. Washing Machine and Dishwasher Standards
Austin Water provided rebates for about 38,000 efficient front-loading clothes washers between 1998 and 2011. The utility stopped its incentive program in 2012, with the vast majority of homes not receiving rebates for them. However, federal standards for efficient clothes washers for the Residential sector lowered consumption by 57% for standard-sized Residential and Commercial clothes washers. The best products on the market can lower consumption by 65-71% for Residential and Commercial machines respectively.
Austin Water provided rebates for about 38,000 efficient front-loading clothes washers between 1998 and 2011. The utility stopped its incentive program in 2012, with the vast majority of homes not receiving rebates for them. However, federal standards for efficient clothes washers for the Residential sector lowered consumption by 57% for standard-sized Residential and Commercial clothes washers. The best products on the market can lower consumption by 65-71% for Residential and Commercial machines respectively.
Federal clothes washer standards have lowered water consumption by 57% since 2007, and new standards effective in 2028 will lower use even more.
Federal standards for clothes washers and dishwashers saved Austin Water customers between 700 million and 1.7 billion gallons of water annually by 2023, about 2.7% of total consumption in this benchmark year. And they will continue to save even more water as older machines are replaced with new and even more efficient code-compliant equipment.
4. Required Commercial Equipment Inspections
The Water Conservation Task Force proposed three requirements for inspection of large-volume Commercial equipment. These have been somewhat successful but have had a checkered history of implementation and enforcement. Austin requires efficiency inspections every 2 years for large landscape irrigation (over one acre), and annually for car washes and cooling towers. Though recommended in 2007, landscape and car wash inspections began in 2013, and cooling tower inspections in 2017.
The majority of Commercial customers currently comply, and since the utility management requirements of these programs is minimal, the savings is extremely cost effective for the utility to administer, as well as cost-effective for the customer. In fiscal year 2024, they were saving about 263 million gallons a year; 0.6% of total consumption in the benchmark year of 2023.
5. More Accurate Water Meters
Between 2021 and 2025, Austin Water replaced 250,000 dated analog meters with advanced digital “smart meters.” These allow remote reading and provide customers hourly feedback on their use within a day. The new meters save water utilities money by reducing labor, increasing meter accuracy, and reducing costly bill disputes (which water utilities sometimes lose). Another major benefit is that the new meters can also remotely detect customer-side leaks, with resulting savings for both the customer and utility.
Despite the many benefits, Austin Water deferred the phased installation over a decade. There were discussions of this project’s implementation since at least 2010.
In 2024 alone, these digital meters sent out 98,035 customer leak alerts with an estimate savings of 580.5 million gallons – about 1.3% – of 2023’s total consumption. (However, some of these alerts were sent to the same customer more than once, so not all of this estimated savings was achievable.)
6. New Conservation Requirements and Code Changes
Austin has recently adopted forward-looking conservation measures in the City Code. Though newly implemented and not yet saving water, these policies are expected to reduce future water demand for new commercial and residential customers and are considered successes.
• Commercial Onsite Water Reuse Ordinance – Since December 1, 2024, new commercial and multifamily buildings over 250,000 sq. ft. must use reclaimed water or onsite reuse (e.g., rainwater, AC condensate) for non-potable uses like irrigation and toilet flushing. Buildings under 250,000 sq. ft. must connect to reclaimed water if within 250 feet of supply lines. This code can meet 31-100% of non-potable needs and is projected to save about 6 million gallons daily by 2040 (~5% of 2023 usage).
To date, Austin and San Francisco are the only U.S. cities with such a mandate.
• Residential Codes – In April of 2025, Austin changed its Residential plumbing code applying to new single-family dwellings in three significant ways.
The first two, a requirement to limit underground irrigation systems to 50% of the landscaped area, and requirements for Pressure Relief Valves, will save the equivalent of 22% of what the average Austin home consumed in 2023.
A third code change, “laundry-to-landscape” connections allowing gray water from clothes washing to be diverted for irrigation, will save about 7% of what the average Austin home consumed in 2023. It has an estimated cost of only $109 (though an outside distribution system would also have to be installed).
7. High Cost of Water
Rising water rates, driven by higher costs for treatment and supply infrastructure, ironically, encourages conservation. There is even an official term for this: “price elasticity.”
In the past, Austin Water estimated that for every 10% rate increase above inflation, water demand would drop by about 1.7%. Using this formula, with utility costs up 60% (adjusted for inflation), demand could have fallen about 10% due to high costs by 2023.
4. Required Commercial Equipment Inspections
The Water Conservation Task Force proposed three requirements for inspection of large-volume Commercial equipment. These have been somewhat successful but have had a checkered history of implementation and enforcement. Austin requires efficiency inspections every 2 years for large landscape irrigation (over one acre), and annually for car washes and cooling towers. Though recommended in 2007, landscape and car wash inspections began in 2013, and cooling tower inspections in 2017.
The majority of Commercial customers currently comply, and since the utility management requirements of these programs is minimal, the savings is extremely cost effective for the utility to administer, as well as cost-effective for the customer. In fiscal year 2024, they were saving about 263 million gallons a year; 0.6% of total consumption in the benchmark year of 2023.
5. More Accurate Water Meters
Between 2021 and 2025, Austin Water replaced 250,000 dated analog meters with advanced digital “smart meters.” These allow remote reading and provide customers hourly feedback on their use within a day. The new meters save water utilities money by reducing labor, increasing meter accuracy, and reducing costly bill disputes (which water utilities sometimes lose). Another major benefit is that the new meters can also remotely detect customer-side leaks, with resulting savings for both the customer and utility.
Despite the many benefits, Austin Water deferred the phased installation over a decade. There were discussions of this project’s implementation since at least 2010.
In 2024 alone, these digital meters sent out 98,035 customer leak alerts with an estimate savings of 580.5 million gallons – about 1.3% – of 2023’s total consumption. (However, some of these alerts were sent to the same customer more than once, so not all of this estimated savings was achievable.)
6. New Conservation Requirements and Code Changes
Austin has recently adopted forward-looking conservation measures in the City Code. Though newly implemented and not yet saving water, these policies are expected to reduce future water demand for new commercial and residential customers and are considered successes.
• Commercial Onsite Water Reuse Ordinance – Since December 1, 2024, new commercial and multifamily buildings over 250,000 sq. ft. must use reclaimed water or onsite reuse (e.g., rainwater, AC condensate) for non-potable uses like irrigation and toilet flushing. Buildings under 250,000 sq. ft. must connect to reclaimed water if within 250 feet of supply lines. This code can meet 31-100% of non-potable needs and is projected to save about 6 million gallons daily by 2040 (~5% of 2023 usage).
To date, Austin and San Francisco are the only U.S. cities with such a mandate.
• Residential Codes – In April of 2025, Austin changed its Residential plumbing code applying to new single-family dwellings in three significant ways.
The first two, a requirement to limit underground irrigation systems to 50% of the landscaped area, and requirements for Pressure Relief Valves, will save the equivalent of 22% of what the average Austin home consumed in 2023.
A third code change, “laundry-to-landscape” connections allowing gray water from clothes washing to be diverted for irrigation, will save about 7% of what the average Austin home consumed in 2023. It has an estimated cost of only $109 (though an outside distribution system would also have to be installed).
7. High Cost of Water
Rising water rates, driven by higher costs for treatment and supply infrastructure, ironically, encourages conservation. There is even an official term for this: “price elasticity.”
In the past, Austin Water estimated that for every 10% rate increase above inflation, water demand would drop by about 1.7%. Using this formula, with utility costs up 60% (adjusted for inflation), demand could have fallen about 10% due to high costs by 2023.
This chart contrasts rising costs to lower consumption. Excessive water costs were not the only driver of Austin’s falling water use. But they were a noticeable contributor.
Below are two examples of excessive water costs that have raised Austin rates.
In conclusion, some of Austin’s water conservation efforts really have worked. But other fundamental strategies have been complacently ignored or postponed. The third story in this series will discuss these failed or challenged conservation efforts.
DO YOUR PART! Sign Up for ATX Water
Austin Water’s new electronic meters allow you to monitor your consumption on an annual, monthly, daily, and even hourly basis. It also allows you to benchmark consumption between your home’s previous and current usage, and average homes around the city.
This tool allows you to adjust your consumption based on feedback. And it allows you to screen for leaks of any notable size. (If there is water consumption at 3 in the morning when water is generally unused, you probably have a problem.)
Sign up at: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/my-atx-water
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Paul Robbins, is an environmental activist, consumer advocate, and editor of the Austin Environmental Directory. The Directory is a sourcebook of green issues, organizations, products, and services in Central Texas.
DO YOUR PART! Sign Up for ATX Water
Austin Water’s new electronic meters allow you to monitor your consumption on an annual, monthly, daily, and even hourly basis. It also allows you to benchmark consumption between your home’s previous and current usage, and average homes around the city.
This tool allows you to adjust your consumption based on feedback. And it allows you to screen for leaks of any notable size. (If there is water consumption at 3 in the morning when water is generally unused, you probably have a problem.)
Sign up at: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/my-atx-water
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Paul Robbins, is an environmental activist, consumer advocate, and editor of the Austin Environmental Directory. The Directory is a sourcebook of green issues, organizations, products, and services in Central Texas.
 | In a dramatic and decisive 1 a.m. vote on August 20, 2025, the San Marcos City Council officially rejected a proposal to amend its City’s comprehensive plan to permit the rezoning of a massive data center proposed by tech giant CyrusOne. The project sparked widespread concern from San Marcos residents and environmental advocates, especially after new details revealed that the data center would use 2.5 times more energy than the entire city’s peak energy usage, while also requiring a staggering 75,000 gallons per day of non-curtailable water use. In a state and region vulnerable to severe drought, the amount of water demanded to support data centers presents challenges that our state and local communities are not adequately prepared to handle. |
Fortunately, because the comprehensive plan amendment was previously rejected by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, the change required a super-majority approval from the City Council. The Save Our Springs Alliance thanks San Marcos City Council Members Amanda Rodriguez and Saul Gonzales for casting the two votes against, preventing the super-majority required to advance the data center. Efforts to negotiate stricter development regulations using a restrictive covenant from other council members are acknowledged and appreciated, however, the message from the San Marcos community was clear: protecting our limited natural resources must come first.
This proposal appears to be stalled for now, but we anticipate that the landowner and CyrusOne may seek ways to bring it back for council consideration. Additionally, we are aware of three other data centers proposed in the same area of Hays County and San Marcos. Each of these data centers is concerning on its own, but collectively, their impact could be devastating. We remain committed to working with the San Marcos community and our sister environmental organizations to prevent the waste and overuse of our limited water resources, and we will notify you of ways that you can get involved. In the meantime, please call your representatives in the Texas Legislature to demand that they give stronger city and county powers to help Texas communities manage the explosive growth of data centers and ensure there is sufficient water for current and future generations.
This proposal appears to be stalled for now, but we anticipate that the landowner and CyrusOne may seek ways to bring it back for council consideration. Additionally, we are aware of three other data centers proposed in the same area of Hays County and San Marcos. Each of these data centers is concerning on its own, but collectively, their impact could be devastating. We remain committed to working with the San Marcos community and our sister environmental organizations to prevent the waste and overuse of our limited water resources, and we will notify you of ways that you can get involved. In the meantime, please call your representatives in the Texas Legislature to demand that they give stronger city and county powers to help Texas communities manage the explosive growth of data centers and ensure there is sufficient water for current and future generations.
Protecting caves is necessary for keeping Barton Springs healthy and flowing. That’s because the water that travels through these caves flows directly into the springs. But how do scientists determine if a cave is in good condition? One way is to look for the crickets!
In Austin, two keystone species of cave crickets--Ceuthophilus secretus and Ceuthophilus sp. B. serve as keystone species, which means they act as a “health check” for cave ecosystems. When their numbers drop, it’s often a warning sign that something is going wrong.
In Austin, two keystone species of cave crickets--Ceuthophilus secretus and Ceuthophilus sp. B. serve as keystone species, which means they act as a “health check” for cave ecosystems. When their numbers drop, it’s often a warning sign that something is going wrong.
Researchers monitor how many crickets come out of cave entrances during the first two hours after sunset. These numbers fluctuate depending on moisture, temperature, and other conditions. For instance, on cooler nights, fewer crickets may appear. That’s why scientists look for long-term trends, not just one-night changes. If, after accounting for weather and other natural factors, the number of crickets keeps dropping over time, it’s a warning sign that something might be wrong with the cave environment and for our groundwater.
Because cave systems are sensitive to surface conditions, a decline in cave cricket populations often signals environmental stress such as pollution, drought, habitat destruction, or harmful chemicals reaching groundwater. Cave crickets thus provide an early warning that human health could be at risk from polluted groundwater sources. By keeping an eye on these tiny but telling cave dwellers, we can get an early heads-up about the health of our caves and the springs that they help protect.
Because cave systems are sensitive to surface conditions, a decline in cave cricket populations often signals environmental stress such as pollution, drought, habitat destruction, or harmful chemicals reaching groundwater. Cave crickets thus provide an early warning that human health could be at risk from polluted groundwater sources. By keeping an eye on these tiny but telling cave dwellers, we can get an early heads-up about the health of our caves and the springs that they help protect.
How Highways Put Our Caves at Risk.
Much of Austin is located atop porous karst limestone, which features caves and sinkholes necessary for recharging the Edwards Aquifer. Between the 1950s and 1990s, volunteer cavers identified and excavated about 200 caves in the Austin area, but since then, almost 20 percent have been filled in or paved over by developers who believed getting rid of caves made properties more marketable.
The Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer is recharged primarily through caves, sinkholes, and fractured creek beds. Dye-trace studies show stormwater entering local recharge features can reach Barton Springs in a matter of days. This karst landscape allows rainwater to quickly seep through faults and openings in the limestone, which replenishes the aquifer. When these caves and sinkholes are properly protected, the aquifer can supply steady flows of clean, fresh water to Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake.
The flip side of quick recharge is quick contamination. Caves are an important gateway to the underground. Because the rainwater moves swiftly through these caves, the limestone aquifer lacks natural filtration of pollutants. In practice, this means “what goes in, must come out.” Any pollutants on the surface—from highways and urban development—rush into these caves and emerge into wells and springs, virtually untreated.
Paved surfaces (roads) can reroute drainage, causing either too little water (drying out of the cave) or too much runoff (flooding it with polluted water). If the land around these caves is developed and polluted, the caves act like drains, funneling dirty water directly into the aquifer. When it rains heavily, the first rush of water flowing off the land picks up a lot of pollution—dirt, fertilizers, and bacteria. This polluted water quickly enters nearby caves. So, whatever pollution is on the surface ends up in Barton Springs within hours to days.
Much of Austin is located atop porous karst limestone, which features caves and sinkholes necessary for recharging the Edwards Aquifer. Between the 1950s and 1990s, volunteer cavers identified and excavated about 200 caves in the Austin area, but since then, almost 20 percent have been filled in or paved over by developers who believed getting rid of caves made properties more marketable.
The Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer is recharged primarily through caves, sinkholes, and fractured creek beds. Dye-trace studies show stormwater entering local recharge features can reach Barton Springs in a matter of days. This karst landscape allows rainwater to quickly seep through faults and openings in the limestone, which replenishes the aquifer. When these caves and sinkholes are properly protected, the aquifer can supply steady flows of clean, fresh water to Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake.
The flip side of quick recharge is quick contamination. Caves are an important gateway to the underground. Because the rainwater moves swiftly through these caves, the limestone aquifer lacks natural filtration of pollutants. In practice, this means “what goes in, must come out.” Any pollutants on the surface—from highways and urban development—rush into these caves and emerge into wells and springs, virtually untreated.
Paved surfaces (roads) can reroute drainage, causing either too little water (drying out of the cave) or too much runoff (flooding it with polluted water). If the land around these caves is developed and polluted, the caves act like drains, funneling dirty water directly into the aquifer. When it rains heavily, the first rush of water flowing off the land picks up a lot of pollution—dirt, fertilizers, and bacteria. This polluted water quickly enters nearby caves. So, whatever pollution is on the surface ends up in Barton Springs within hours to days.
Driskill Cave, located on US 290 near the Burger Center in South Austin (Source: Nico Hauwert, Ph.D. Texas Professional Hydrogeologist) Highways are one of those places where harmful substances collect – oil, gasoline, and heavy metals. These pollutants, along with loose soil from construction sites, can easily find their way into the aquifer and downstream Barton Springs through exposed caves or nearby caves.
The Driskill Cave, located on US290, near the Burger Center, in South Austin is a good example of how highways kill caves.
Driskill Cave was once home to a variety of creatures, including an abundant population of cave crickets. Following the construction of U.S.290, however, polluted highway runoff proved lethal to the sensitive cave crickets, whose populations plummeted in a short span of time. The collapse of its cave cricket population stands as a clear warning sign for future highway projects—like the proposed MoPac South expansion.
The Driskill Cave, located on US290, near the Burger Center, in South Austin is a good example of how highways kill caves.
Driskill Cave was once home to a variety of creatures, including an abundant population of cave crickets. Following the construction of U.S.290, however, polluted highway runoff proved lethal to the sensitive cave crickets, whose populations plummeted in a short span of time. The collapse of its cave cricket population stands as a clear warning sign for future highway projects—like the proposed MoPac South expansion.
Austin’s Mopac South Corridor runs along the edge of the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, and the plans to expand it have raised environmental concerns. Other projects in the area, such as the MoPac Intersections Project and SH 45 SW uncovered numerous previously undocumented caves, leading to construction delays and significant environmental risks. For example, circa 2019, as crews worked on an overpass at La Crosse Avenue, at least 72 caves, sinkholes, and voids were discovered in the construction area. This delayed construction significantly, while putting at risk Austin’s underground ecosystems and groundwater.
What happens when these caves are found during construction? They get paved over. This causes complete habitat loss. Paving over caves starves them of air and water and permanently changes their temperature and humidity beyond ranges that species can tolerate.
Let’s Do Better with MoPac South: Save Our Caves
Protecting Austin’s cave ecosystems isn’t just about saving wildlife—it’s about protecting the natural systems that deliver safe, clean groundwater to everyone who depends on it for drinking water, as well as the flow to Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake. Highways, including past expansions, have been a major source of cave destruction and contamination in our region. With the proposed MoPac South expansion, these risks are more serious than ever. The caves along its path are direct lines to Barton Springs. If we don’t prioritize the health of our caves, we could see increased pollution in Barton Springs and jeopardize the unique species, like the Barton Springs and Austin Blind Salamanders, that depend on the springs, and our iconic cave crickets, that rely on these delicate underground environments.
Take Action: Help Us Protect Austin’s Caves!
Donate to Save Our Springs today. Your contribution will help us hire the experts needed to challenge the MoPac South expansion and safeguard Austin’s caves, our crickets, and the clean water we all rely on. Together, we can stand up for Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, and the future of our community.
Sources/More Information about Caves and the Edwards Aquifer:
Karst and Recharge in the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer: Field Trip to the City of Austin’s Water Quality, Dr. Nico Hauwert and David Johns (2015)
Cave Cricket Exit Counts: Environmental Influences and Duration of Surveys, Floyd W. Weckerly (2012)
Barton Springs segment of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer, central Texas, Brian B. Hunt and Brian A. Smith
Wildland Caves, Austin Water Utility
Karst Invertebrate Habitat Requirements, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services
Holes Delay MoPac Project, Phil Jankowski, Austin-American Statesman
Protecting Austin’s cave ecosystems isn’t just about saving wildlife—it’s about protecting the natural systems that deliver safe, clean groundwater to everyone who depends on it for drinking water, as well as the flow to Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake. Highways, including past expansions, have been a major source of cave destruction and contamination in our region. With the proposed MoPac South expansion, these risks are more serious than ever. The caves along its path are direct lines to Barton Springs. If we don’t prioritize the health of our caves, we could see increased pollution in Barton Springs and jeopardize the unique species, like the Barton Springs and Austin Blind Salamanders, that depend on the springs, and our iconic cave crickets, that rely on these delicate underground environments.
Take Action: Help Us Protect Austin’s Caves!
Donate to Save Our Springs today. Your contribution will help us hire the experts needed to challenge the MoPac South expansion and safeguard Austin’s caves, our crickets, and the clean water we all rely on. Together, we can stand up for Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, and the future of our community.
Sources/More Information about Caves and the Edwards Aquifer:
Karst and Recharge in the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer: Field Trip to the City of Austin’s Water Quality, Dr. Nico Hauwert and David Johns (2015)
Cave Cricket Exit Counts: Environmental Influences and Duration of Surveys, Floyd W. Weckerly (2012)
Barton Springs segment of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer, central Texas, Brian B. Hunt and Brian A. Smith
Wildland Caves, Austin Water Utility
Karst Invertebrate Habitat Requirements, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services
Holes Delay MoPac Project, Phil Jankowski, Austin-American Statesman
by Paul Robbins
In This Article
• Austin’s climate is prone to periods of extended drought. Due to population growth and environmental trends, we are as little as 15 years away from a catastrophic (Highland-Lakes-going-dry) water shortage.
• Austin established an office of water conservation in the early 1980s to manage water and wastewater shortfalls.
• Between 1983 and 2003, about 14% of Austin’s non-industrial water use was reduced by the office’s programs and policies, including rebates for low-water use fixtures and appliances, building code amendments, rebates for businesses, and encouragement of low-water use landscapes.
• Austin’s climate is prone to periods of extended drought. Due to population growth and environmental trends, we are as little as 15 years away from a catastrophic (Highland-Lakes-going-dry) water shortage.
• Austin established an office of water conservation in the early 1980s to manage water and wastewater shortfalls.
• Between 1983 and 2003, about 14% of Austin’s non-industrial water use was reduced by the office’s programs and policies, including rebates for low-water use fixtures and appliances, building code amendments, rebates for businesses, and encouragement of low-water use landscapes.
In July of 2024, the Save Our Spring Alliance posted a story entitled “The Coming Austin Water Shortage” on potential, and likely, water shortages that will afflict Austin in the coming decades, and how it will impact the city’s future.
The story showed that the combined effects of drought, global warming, lake sedimentation, population growth, and stagnating water conservation efforts could leave the Central Texas water storage system, the Highland Lakes, dry for periods of time as soon as 2040.
To address this potential emergency, SOS is publishing the following five-part series on water conservation. These stories discuss the history, progress, and lack of progress, with Austin’s water stewardship strategies and programs.
Looking closely at Austin’s water conservation programs since they began in the 1980s, it would not be fair to avoid acknowledging the substantial progress that has been made. But it would also not be honest to avoid criticizing Austin for complacency.
It is irresponsible to postpone action to deal with this imminent threat. With current population growth, Austin is one major drought away from a catastrophic (Highland-Lakes-going-dry) water shortage.
The story showed that the combined effects of drought, global warming, lake sedimentation, population growth, and stagnating water conservation efforts could leave the Central Texas water storage system, the Highland Lakes, dry for periods of time as soon as 2040.
To address this potential emergency, SOS is publishing the following five-part series on water conservation. These stories discuss the history, progress, and lack of progress, with Austin’s water stewardship strategies and programs.
Looking closely at Austin’s water conservation programs since they began in the 1980s, it would not be fair to avoid acknowledging the substantial progress that has been made. But it would also not be honest to avoid criticizing Austin for complacency.
It is irresponsible to postpone action to deal with this imminent threat. With current population growth, Austin is one major drought away from a catastrophic (Highland-Lakes-going-dry) water shortage.
Water Conservation Part 1: An Early History of Austin’s Water Conservation Programs
Austin Water Utility, Austin’s municipally owned water and wastewater utility, provides service for about 1.2 million people. Its generally reliable day-to-day service masks the volatility Austin’s water supply, both climactically and politicly.
The region’s rainfall fluctuates, sometimes dramatically. This endangers the long-term supply of one of the fastest growing areas in the country.
Austin theoretically has water rights to claim about double the volume it consumed in 2023. This is, however, a mirage. The upstream storage system of the Highland Lakes, seven artificial reservoirs upstream of Austin built between 1938 and 1960, can get critically low during periods of extended drought and overuse.
At the same time, short-sighted decisions, bad decisions, and bad luck, have sometimes left the City of Austin with insufficient infrastructure for its water and wastewater needs.
Austin used to require voter approval of the bond debt for its water utility. (This provision of the City Charter is still on the books, but is routinely ignored by the City government today.) There was a lack of voter confidence in its elected officials to control growth in the environmentally sensitive area of Southwest Austin in the late 1970s. Voter confidence was also undermined by the unrelated outrageous overruns at the South Texas Nuclear Project, in which Austin was a partner, that were occurring at the same time, dramatically raising electric rates.
Due to this lack of confidence, Austinites voted against water improvements in 1980 and again in 1981. This was partially responsible for a summer peak water capacity problem that emerged a few years later. A failure to control unlimited yard irrigation was also at fault.
On the wastewater side, the situation was worse. Austin’s high-tech boom was fueling home building at a feverish pace. Much of South Austin was served for sewage treatment by an aging and undersized Williamson Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Starting in about 1982, the insufficient treatment capacity combined with heavy rains, caused the plant’s holding ponds to overflow, resulting in untreated sewage spilled into the Williamson Creek and the Colorado River on multiple occasions.
Austin was thus sued by the state’s environmental office. For a time, new building in South Austin was curtailed. In near desperation to respond to health threats and still continue home building, raw sewage was actually trucked from the insufficient Williamson Creek plant to treatment plants with more capacity.
As part of lawsuit settlements, Austin built more emergency treatment capacity at Williamson Creek in 1984 and 1985, amounting to $13 million (about $40 million in 2025 dollars). These operated until 1986, when a new treatment plant at Onion Creek was finally built. There was almost no salvage value from the Williamson Creek retrofits when this troubled plant was retired.
Why was this such a mess? There was also no centralized data tracking system in place to project sewage capacity shortfalls until they were actually occurring.
To respond to these challenges, the City government established an office in 1983 to promote water and wastewater conservation and manage regulatory response to water and wastewater shortages. Over a period of two decades, the office claimed a number of achievements. Here’s a quick snapshot of those efforts:
• Managing Early Water Restrictions – Some of its early work included management of the “Emergency Water Conservation Ordinance” to reduce peak demand during the summer shortages. It limited landscape irrigation to once every 5 days, with violations punishable by fines of up to $500 per violation. Enforcement was active between 1983 and 1986.
• Mitigating Wastewater Emergency – In response to the Williamson Creek sewage fiasco, the City committed to reduce water consumption through direct free door-to-door installation of showerheads and toilet dams (a plastic wedge creating an air pocket to displace a gallon of flush water in the tank). It also ordered the replacement of old toilets in multifamily and commercial buildings larger than 3.5 gallons/per tank.
• Encouraging Low-Water Use Plants – In 1984, the office began a program to educate the public on native plant xeriscape landscapes to reduce landscape irrigation. In 1994, the City began requiring that new commercial landscapes must use xeriscape plants, and also began offering xeriscape rebates for Residential landscapes.
• Mandating or Encouraging Low-Water Use Fixtures – The office encouraged the City to adopt a plumbing code calling for efficient 1.6-gallon/flush in toilets in 1991, which dropped again to 1.28/flush gallons in 2010. AWU also began offering rebates for low-flush toilet retrofits in existing homes in 1993, continuing until 2012. These rebates are still offered to commercial businesses that exceed the plumbing code.
• Business Retrofits – About two-thirds of Austin’s water volume is consumed by Commercial, Multifamily, and Industrial customers. Since 1996, Austin has awarded rebates to businesses that have saved water through improved equipment and processes. This includes Austin’s largest customers, such as commercial buildings and wafer fabs.
• Irrigation Audits and Retrofits – In 1992, Austin began offering audits of Residential landscapes to teach water customers how to lower consumption through proper use of irrigation system.
• Clothes Washer Rebates – Between 1998 and 2013, Austin provided rebates for water-efficient clothes washers.
• Meters for Multiunit Dwellings –Apartment buildings that use a single meter for all their tenants are prodigious water wasters since there is no incentive for individual tenants to save water. Since 2000, new 2- to 4-unit dwellings have been required to be individually metered. Since 2001, all new apartments have been required to be sub-metered so that the apartment managers or their designees could charge each unit for actual water consumed. Since 2000, all new commercial buildings have been required to have separate meters for irrigation.
• Reclaimed Water – Reclaimed water refers to wastewater treated to a high-quality standard and reused for non-potable purposes such as landscape irrigation and cooling towers rather than discharged into the Colorado River. Austin has used this resource to water golf courses since 1974, in-house use at its wastewater treatment plants, and water to Sandhill Power Plant. It began expanding its system in 2005 to serve more commercial customers.
These policies had a collective measured effect: between 1983 and 2003, non-industrial per capita per day use fell about 14%. However, there is much more progress to be made.
TIMELINE: GROWTH OF AUSTIN WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
1980 – Water treatment plant bonds rejected.
1981 – Water treatment plant bonds rejected.
≈ 1982 – Major overflows at Williamson Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant begin.
1984 – Austin pays $100,000 fine to state for sewage leaks; building moratorium in South Austin enacted; trucking sewage used to end moratorium begins.
1984-1986 – Summer irrigation restrictions enforced.
1984 – Native “xeriscape” plant education program begins.
1984-1985 – Emergency treatment capacity at Williamson Creek plant comes online
1985 – Commercial and multifamily buildings required to retrofit (if necessary) to minimum 3.5-gallon/flush toilets.
1986 – New sewage treatment plant at Onion Creek begins operation; Williamson Creek plant retired.
1986-1990 – Door-to-door retrofit program for showerheads and toilet dams conducted.
1992 – Residential irrigation reduction rebates begin.
1991 – City mandates 1.6 gallons/flush toilets in new buildings.
1993-2011 – Rebates offered for low-flush toilet retrofits.
1994 – New Commercial landscapes required to use xeriscape plants.
1996 – Commercial retrofit rebate program begins.
1998-2013 – Rebates provided for water-efficient clothes washers.
2000 – New 2 to 4-unit dwellings required to be individually metered; new commercial buildings required to have separate meters for irrigation.
2001 – New multifamily buildings required to be submetered so each unit can be separately billed.
2010 – City mandates 1.28 gallons/flush toilets in new buildings.
The second and third stories in this series will discuss the positive and disappointing parts of Austin’s more modern water conservation policies.
Austin Water Utility, Austin’s municipally owned water and wastewater utility, provides service for about 1.2 million people. Its generally reliable day-to-day service masks the volatility Austin’s water supply, both climactically and politicly.
The region’s rainfall fluctuates, sometimes dramatically. This endangers the long-term supply of one of the fastest growing areas in the country.
Austin theoretically has water rights to claim about double the volume it consumed in 2023. This is, however, a mirage. The upstream storage system of the Highland Lakes, seven artificial reservoirs upstream of Austin built between 1938 and 1960, can get critically low during periods of extended drought and overuse.
At the same time, short-sighted decisions, bad decisions, and bad luck, have sometimes left the City of Austin with insufficient infrastructure for its water and wastewater needs.
Austin used to require voter approval of the bond debt for its water utility. (This provision of the City Charter is still on the books, but is routinely ignored by the City government today.) There was a lack of voter confidence in its elected officials to control growth in the environmentally sensitive area of Southwest Austin in the late 1970s. Voter confidence was also undermined by the unrelated outrageous overruns at the South Texas Nuclear Project, in which Austin was a partner, that were occurring at the same time, dramatically raising electric rates.
Due to this lack of confidence, Austinites voted against water improvements in 1980 and again in 1981. This was partially responsible for a summer peak water capacity problem that emerged a few years later. A failure to control unlimited yard irrigation was also at fault.
On the wastewater side, the situation was worse. Austin’s high-tech boom was fueling home building at a feverish pace. Much of South Austin was served for sewage treatment by an aging and undersized Williamson Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Starting in about 1982, the insufficient treatment capacity combined with heavy rains, caused the plant’s holding ponds to overflow, resulting in untreated sewage spilled into the Williamson Creek and the Colorado River on multiple occasions.
Austin was thus sued by the state’s environmental office. For a time, new building in South Austin was curtailed. In near desperation to respond to health threats and still continue home building, raw sewage was actually trucked from the insufficient Williamson Creek plant to treatment plants with more capacity.
As part of lawsuit settlements, Austin built more emergency treatment capacity at Williamson Creek in 1984 and 1985, amounting to $13 million (about $40 million in 2025 dollars). These operated until 1986, when a new treatment plant at Onion Creek was finally built. There was almost no salvage value from the Williamson Creek retrofits when this troubled plant was retired.
Why was this such a mess? There was also no centralized data tracking system in place to project sewage capacity shortfalls until they were actually occurring.
To respond to these challenges, the City government established an office in 1983 to promote water and wastewater conservation and manage regulatory response to water and wastewater shortages. Over a period of two decades, the office claimed a number of achievements. Here’s a quick snapshot of those efforts:
• Managing Early Water Restrictions – Some of its early work included management of the “Emergency Water Conservation Ordinance” to reduce peak demand during the summer shortages. It limited landscape irrigation to once every 5 days, with violations punishable by fines of up to $500 per violation. Enforcement was active between 1983 and 1986.
• Mitigating Wastewater Emergency – In response to the Williamson Creek sewage fiasco, the City committed to reduce water consumption through direct free door-to-door installation of showerheads and toilet dams (a plastic wedge creating an air pocket to displace a gallon of flush water in the tank). It also ordered the replacement of old toilets in multifamily and commercial buildings larger than 3.5 gallons/per tank.
• Encouraging Low-Water Use Plants – In 1984, the office began a program to educate the public on native plant xeriscape landscapes to reduce landscape irrigation. In 1994, the City began requiring that new commercial landscapes must use xeriscape plants, and also began offering xeriscape rebates for Residential landscapes.
• Mandating or Encouraging Low-Water Use Fixtures – The office encouraged the City to adopt a plumbing code calling for efficient 1.6-gallon/flush in toilets in 1991, which dropped again to 1.28/flush gallons in 2010. AWU also began offering rebates for low-flush toilet retrofits in existing homes in 1993, continuing until 2012. These rebates are still offered to commercial businesses that exceed the plumbing code.
• Business Retrofits – About two-thirds of Austin’s water volume is consumed by Commercial, Multifamily, and Industrial customers. Since 1996, Austin has awarded rebates to businesses that have saved water through improved equipment and processes. This includes Austin’s largest customers, such as commercial buildings and wafer fabs.
• Irrigation Audits and Retrofits – In 1992, Austin began offering audits of Residential landscapes to teach water customers how to lower consumption through proper use of irrigation system.
• Clothes Washer Rebates – Between 1998 and 2013, Austin provided rebates for water-efficient clothes washers.
• Meters for Multiunit Dwellings –Apartment buildings that use a single meter for all their tenants are prodigious water wasters since there is no incentive for individual tenants to save water. Since 2000, new 2- to 4-unit dwellings have been required to be individually metered. Since 2001, all new apartments have been required to be sub-metered so that the apartment managers or their designees could charge each unit for actual water consumed. Since 2000, all new commercial buildings have been required to have separate meters for irrigation.
• Reclaimed Water – Reclaimed water refers to wastewater treated to a high-quality standard and reused for non-potable purposes such as landscape irrigation and cooling towers rather than discharged into the Colorado River. Austin has used this resource to water golf courses since 1974, in-house use at its wastewater treatment plants, and water to Sandhill Power Plant. It began expanding its system in 2005 to serve more commercial customers.
These policies had a collective measured effect: between 1983 and 2003, non-industrial per capita per day use fell about 14%. However, there is much more progress to be made.
TIMELINE: GROWTH OF AUSTIN WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
1980 – Water treatment plant bonds rejected.
1981 – Water treatment plant bonds rejected.
≈ 1982 – Major overflows at Williamson Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant begin.
1984 – Austin pays $100,000 fine to state for sewage leaks; building moratorium in South Austin enacted; trucking sewage used to end moratorium begins.
1984-1986 – Summer irrigation restrictions enforced.
1984 – Native “xeriscape” plant education program begins.
1984-1985 – Emergency treatment capacity at Williamson Creek plant comes online
1985 – Commercial and multifamily buildings required to retrofit (if necessary) to minimum 3.5-gallon/flush toilets.
1986 – New sewage treatment plant at Onion Creek begins operation; Williamson Creek plant retired.
1986-1990 – Door-to-door retrofit program for showerheads and toilet dams conducted.
1992 – Residential irrigation reduction rebates begin.
1991 – City mandates 1.6 gallons/flush toilets in new buildings.
1993-2011 – Rebates offered for low-flush toilet retrofits.
1994 – New Commercial landscapes required to use xeriscape plants.
1996 – Commercial retrofit rebate program begins.
1998-2013 – Rebates provided for water-efficient clothes washers.
2000 – New 2 to 4-unit dwellings required to be individually metered; new commercial buildings required to have separate meters for irrigation.
2001 – New multifamily buildings required to be submetered so each unit can be separately billed.
2010 – City mandates 1.28 gallons/flush toilets in new buildings.
The second and third stories in this series will discuss the positive and disappointing parts of Austin’s more modern water conservation policies.
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