Barton SpringsBarton Springs is a 3-acre spring-fed pool in the heart of Austin, Texas. Barton Springs is a renowned oasis of clear, cool water providing a haven for visitors and wildlife. Thanks to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, the spring is also a federally protected habitat.
Barton Springs remains around 70 degrees F year round, as water entering the Edwards Aquifer moves underground and equalizes in temperature to the rock and caves it moves through. Barton Springs is the 4th largest spring in Texas. There are four springs that comprise Barton Springs. However, most people know the Springs from the main spring, which supplies water for the famous Barton Springs Pool. Over 400,000 people per year visit Barton Springs, and we invite you to take a swim. Barton Springs Pool is open year round from 5AM to 10PM, except on Thursdays, when regular cleanings limit swimming to 5AM-9AM and 7PM-10PM. Storms and floods sometimes result in temporary closings of the Springs. You can visit the Barton Springs Pool website to learn more |
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Edwards AquiferThe Edwards Aquifer is a karst limestone aquifer and is the life-blood of Central and South Central Texas. The Edwards Aquifer feeds the most prolific springs in the Southwest United States and provides vital drinking water to over 1.5 million people. The Great Springs that gush out of the Edwards Aquifer gave life to the major cities in the middle of the State of Texas. Rare and unique animals and plant life native to this region depend on clean water in the Edwards Aquifer and its Great Springs, just like people do. For a map of karst regions in the United States, click here. |
Current Issues
Save Our Springs is actively working within the community on various conservation issues throughout the Texas Hill Country. The best way to stay up-to-date on issues and events is to join our newsletter.
South Central Waterfront TIRZ
| What’s wrong with the South central waterfront TIRZ, a $300 million dollar tax giveaway |
Brodie Oaks PUD
| Letter to Env Com on Brodie Oaks |
Zilker Park Vision Plan
The Zilker Vision Plan was shelved by Mayor Watson August, 2023. The Zilker Vision was a $200 million development plan to put 3 parking garages in Zilker Park, including one underground parking garage; as well as, an amphitheater on the Great Lawn.
We will continue to monitor the Zilker Vision Plan, and any variations of the plan, moving forward.
We will continue to monitor the Zilker Vision Plan, and any variations of the plan, moving forward.
| Boards and Commissions Power Point Presentation |
| Letter to Design Workshop and PARD Zilker Park Vision Plan Team |
| Rewilding Zilker Park |
| Rewilding Zilker Park Map |
| SOS Rewilding Plan Press Release |
Reports and Documents
| Petition to the USFWS to List the Pedernales River Springs Salamander as a Threatened or Endangered Species Under the ESA |
September 2021 | Pedernales River Springs Salamander Endangered Species Petition to USFWS
September 2020 | Residents and SOS Vs. City of Kyle
| On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, three Kyle residents and the Save Our Springs Alliance filed suit against the City of Kyle to prevent the implementation of a development agreement that locks in exorbitant development entitlements for a massive, 3200+ acre development located on the banks of the Blanco River and over the Edwards Aquifer. |
| Exhibit A – Map attachment to the Kyle lawsuit |
January 2020 | Save Our Springs Alliance vs. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
| 1/28/2020 Opening brief in Travis County District Court in our appeal of the TCEQ's decision to issue the City of Dripping Springs a permit to discharge treated sewage into Onion Creek |
| 6/1/2020 Closing brief for Dripping Springs wastewater Permit Appeal |
March 2020 | CAMPO 2045 Draft Plan
| Updated map of the CAMPO 2045 draft plan projects proposed for the Edwards Aquifer watershed, in southwest Travis and western Hays counties. The map includes a chart listing the $4.2 billion in proposed new and expanded highway projects listed in the draft plan |
May 2020 | SOS Resolution Requests for Hays County Regarding CAMPO 2045 Draft Plan
| 5/1/2020 presented to the Hays County Commissioners’ Court on April 28, 2020 |
October 2020 | SOS Comments on CAMPO 2045 Draft Plan
| October 10, 2020 To: Hays Country Transportation Planning Team From: Bill Bunch, Executive Director, Save Our Springs Alliance RE: Early comments on initial Hays County Transportation Plan update |
December 2022 | Golden-Cheeked Warbler Five-Year Status Review
| 2022 Golden-Cheeked Warbler Status Review |
October 2020 | Hill Country Streams Bioassessment
| Bioassessment of four Hill Country streams threatened by proposed municipal wastewater discharges |
October 2020 | Proposition B Endorsement - Enhancing Transportation Infrastructure
| October 7, 2020 SOS ALLIANCE ENDORSES PROPOSITION B OFFICIAL BOARD STATEMENT |
Barton Springs University
Barton Springs University is a year-round series of educational events and classroom presentations, highlighted by a full day of outdoor learning and fun at Barton Springs Pool on September 20th. The Barton Springs University day is designed primarily for high school students but includes college students and the general public. It features lectures, hands on activities, an interactive community fair and training by leading academics, professionals, and policy makers on central Texas water science, public policy, history and sustainable living.