Standing Room Only! Concerned Neighbors Tell Mirasol Springs That There is Not Enough Water

Thank you for coming out to speak up for the springs and endangered species last week at the groundwater conservation district meetings that were held to consider whether to let the Mirasol Springs development pump groundwater in one of the most sensitive areas of the Texas Hill Country.

It was standing room only at both the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District and Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District meetings with concerned citizens packing the room to let both districts know that there is simply NOT ENOUGH WATER to support the houses, restaurant, spa, hotel, event center, research center, and other facilities on the ever growing list of what Mirasol Springs plans to build next to the sensitive Roy Creek Canyon. 

Meeting Hi-Lights: Attendees got to hear Bill Oliver sing about how there is not enough water in the area and hear SOS Executive Director Bill Bunch explain that this is not the right place or time for new development, even one that claims to be conservation minded. Neighbors of the Mirasol Springs development described their deep connection to their land and their fears that Mirasol will cause their wells and springs to go dry. Biologist Crystal Datri underscored the urgency of denying Mirasol’s groundwater permits since their groundwater pumping activities could likely cause the extinction of the Pedernales River springs salamander.​

Watch Bill Oliver's "Not Enough Water"

​What’s Next? The fight to protect Roy Creek Canyon, the Pedernales River, nearby springs, and nearby endangered species is far from over. The groundwater conservation district meetings last week were just the first steps to challenge Mirasol’s groundwater pumping permits. The next step on the groundwater front is for Save Our Springs Alliance in partnership with Save the Pedernales to negotiate with Mirasol to see if a compromise can be reached. If a compromise that protects the Hill Country cannot be reached, the groundwater conservation districts will hold evidentiary hearings to determine the extent of Mirasol’s impacts on nearby groundwater users and the environment.

Please Continue to Show up for Our Springs! The next opportunity for public engagement on the Mirasol Springs development is on February 12th at 7pm at 1042 Event Center Drive in Dripping Springs, when TCEQ will hold a public meeting on Mirasol’s proposed wastewater permit. You can sign up at the meeting to present oral comments to TCEQ and the developer, and you can submit written comments online through the end of the public meeting.