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In this Issue:This Wednesday, (TOMORROW) 6 PM: Data Center Policies to Be Discussed at Austin Environmental CommissionCall to Action on Water Conservation: Can Fixing Austin’s Leaking Water Pipes Replace Water Treatment Plants?Austin Free Press: Barton Springs "Currents" Bass Edition by Lindsey Holmes Upcoming Earth Day Events Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting Event  Fix the Leaks First: A Call to Prioritize Austin's Water Infrastructure Over Expansion Austin is losing billions of gallons of water every year through aging pipes, while the City pours hundreds of millions into new treatment plants. It's like trying to fill a bucket with holes using a firehose instead of a faucet. Our infrastructure is decades old, the materials are failing and the leaks keep growing. Paul Robbins’ new report, Water Conservation: The Broken River, Part 1, makes it clear: we can’t keep pouring billions into treating more water while we lose so much of what we already have. The system is bleeding, and the solutions are obvious. Fix the leaks first. Read the full story here, as Robbins lays out where the system is failing, where dollars are wasted, and where real risk lies for our water future. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that our voices still matter. Take five minutes today: send a message to the Water and Wastewater Commission and the Water Forward Task Force. Urge them to prioritize fixing the pipes we already have before spending even more on expansion. Add a line about why this matters to you. Robbins’ report is the evidence; our voices are the leverage. Together, they might finally move this ship away from total inefficiency. Stay tuned for the The Broken River Part 2, which continues to explore how replacing Austin’s aging water pipes will save money, conserve water, and prepare the city for drought, while challenging the assumption that a new treatment plant is the only solution.  Data Center Policies to Be Discussed at Austin Environmental Commission Communities are waking up to the reality that Texas has been targeted for resource extraction—turning our water into data storage and the development of artificial intelligence for billionaires and mega corporations. The rapid proliferation of data centers, particularly here in the Austin-to-San Antonio corridor is throwing out our regional water planning and conservation goals, overwhelming our energy grid, and increasing air quality concerns, with new power plants and diesel-powered generators. We’re glad to see that the Austin Environmental Commission (Item 4) has decided to weigh in on the conversation. They'll be talking about what policy recommendations to make to the Austin City Council on April 1, 2026, at 6pm (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Events Center Room 1405, Austin, Texas 78752). This is a good opportunity for you to voice your concerns about data centers. You can sign in to speak on the item, or send an email to them in advance. If you are curious about what you can do in your communities to address data centers, here are a couple recently published resource guides from our partner organizations: Sierra Club, Public Citizen. You can also follow @data.center.action.coalition and @saveoursprings on Instagram for updates on local actions and events.
 Every day is Earth Day, but in April we go all out! Come see SOS at these awesome events over the next few weeks. Learn about our work, meet like-minded folks, and find ways to protect our waters, parks, and wild spaces. Earth Day ATX 2026: “A Moment for Us” When: Saturday, April 11, 12 PM-5 PM Where: Huston-Tillotson University (900 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702) What: Join one of Central Texas’s longest-running sustainability celebrations at HTU. Explore engaging exhibits, hands-on activities, and interactive programming that connect you to the environment and the local green community. Meet fellow attendees passionate about environmental stewardship and discover practical ways to make a difference in your everyday life. Meadows Center Earth Day Festival When: Saturday, April 18, 10 AM-4 PM Where: Spring Lake (201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos, Texas) What: Celebrate the 13th Annual Earth Day San Marcos Festival with family and friends at the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Enjoy live performances, demonstrations, and hands-on activities while connecting with local eco-focused organizations and vendors. This year’s theme, One Heart, Many Waters, highlights our community’s deep connection to water and the ecosystems that give us life. UT Austin Earth Day Fair When: Wednesday, April 22, 2 PM – 5 PM Where: Gregory Plaza, UT Austin (2101 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712) What: Earth Day is a movement to protect our planet and inspire new practices. Stop by the Hooked on Earth Day Fair to explore sustainability initiatives, green innovations, and ways to support a healthier campus and community. Connect with student organizations, programs, and local sustainability leaders, sip on solar-powered smoothies, and learn how small actions can make a big difference.
Earth Day is almost here! Whether you’re paddling, hiking, learning about rainwater harvesting, swimming in the springs, or checking out one of the MANY Earth Day events around town, we hope you’ll take time to connect with the waters and the wild that make Austin so special.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to add your voice to the conversation by submitting your comments on the CTRMA draft Environmental Assessment HERE before May 3rd! In Solidarity, SOS Alliance Comments are closed.
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