Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD)

Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) The District boundary encompasses approximately 247 square miles in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, and Travis Counties.

We are a groundwater conservation district tasked by the Texas Legislature to work with well owners to conserve and protect the Edwards and Trinity aquifers and groundwater resources within our territory. The area has a long history of farming, ranching, and rural domestic use of groundwater, but it is increasingly and rapidly being converted to residential use owing to suburban and exurban develo

pment from Austin and San Marcos. The use of groundwater in the segment has grown over the last 75 years from just incidental amounts to now serving as either a sole source or a primary source of drinking water of some 60,000 people. It also is the source of water for Barton Springs Pool in Austin’s Zilker Park, and its associated spring-dependent species.

08/06/2026

Sights and sounds at Sculpture Falls 🎶🌱💧

July marks the fourth consecutive month that Central Texas has received above-average rainfall, bringing much-needed relief after an extended drought. Those rains have improved aquifer conditions, increased springflow, and brought water back to many of our creeks.

Even so, the drought isn't behind us. The progress is encouraging, but continued, well-distributed rainfall will be key to sustaining these gains.

As summer heat settles in, springflow has already begun to decline. With little rain expected in the coming weeks, we'll be watching how the aquifer responds while looking ahead to the wetter months this fall. 🤞☔️

07/30/2026

Six weeks. Same creek. Different views.

These videos were taken along the Barton Creek Greenbelt on June 16 and July 30. The contrast is a reminder of how quickly Central Texas creeks can change after rain.

Not all rainfall has the same impact. Intense storms can quickly fill our creeks and provide significant recharge to the Edwards Aquifer, but they also generate more runoff. Slower, soaking rains often give water more time to infiltrate the ground, where it can be naturally filtered before reaching the aquifer. In the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer, recharge depends not only on how much rain falls, but also
💧where it falls,
💧how fast it falls,
💧and how long it lasts.

What we see in our creeks is only part of the story. Some of the most important changes are happening underground.

07/25/2026

Scenes like this were common across Central Texas after last week's rain. Onion Creek, the largest contributor to the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards aquifer, flowed bank to bank as stormwater moved through the watershed.

Just over a year after the devastating July 4 floods, communities across the Texas Hill Country are again recovering from catastrophic flooding. Improved forecasting, emergency response, and public awareness helped save lives, but the devastation left behind is still immense.

The damage to the landscape, homes, businesses, and the mental well-being of those affected will be felt long after the floodwaters recede. The road to recovery will be long, and the need for support continues.

-

Video taken on July 16, 2026.

Drought Update 🌧️June brought 6.1 inches of rainfall, marking the third consecutive month of above-average rainfall acro...
07/15/2026

Drought Update 🌧️

June brought 6.1 inches of rainfall, marking the third consecutive month of above-average rainfall across the region. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

That’s a remarkable turnaround after eight straight months of below-average rainfall prior to April.

On July 3rd, groundwater levels at the Lovelady monitor well improved from Stage 3 Exceptional Drought to Stage 2 Critical Drought, joining Barton Springs springflow above the Stage 3 threshold.

As Central Texas enters its hottest and driest months, the District will continue monitoring groundwater levels and springflow throughout July. These observations will help inform any future changes to the District’s drought stage.

The rain didn’t just fill our creeks and recharge our aquifers, it woke up the landscape.If you’ve been out lately, you’...
07/09/2026

The rain didn’t just fill our creeks and recharge our aquifers, it woke up the landscape.

If you’ve been out lately, you’ve probably noticed — Central Texas has been blooming!

07/02/2026

In a few days, it will mark one year since the devastating July 4th floods that impacted communities across Central Texas.

This anniversary is a reminder that water is both precious and powerful. It sustains our communities and ecosystems, but it can also become a destructive force.

As we remember those whose lives were forever changed, we also recognize the strength and resilience of the communities that came together in the aftermath.

The waters that connect our region remind us that we are connected not only by water, but also by our shared responsibility to support one another.

One year later, the impacts of this tragedy are still felt, and the communities affected remain in our hearts.

06/25/2026

🌧️June Rainfall Update🌧️

June marks the third consecutive month of above-average rainfall. This rain is helping replenish aquifers, restore flow to creeks and springs, and bring much-needed green back to the Central Texas landscape.

While this is encouraging news, drought recovery doesn’t happen overnight. We still need additional rainfall to move out of Stage 3 Exceptional Drought conditions and continue to progress toward Stage 2 Critical Drought.

The landscape is responding, but our aquifers, reservoirs, and spring still need more rainfall to fully recover.

06/17/2026

Hill of Life has come back to life! 🌊

Recent rainfall has brought flow back to Barton Creek and other waterways across Central Texas. Because creeks and streams in the area have not seen flow like this in several years, accumulated pollutants—including pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste, and more—are being washed from surrounding surfaces into the water. As a result, elevated levels of bacteria, nitrogen, and phosphorus are present.

Due to dangerous water levels, fast currents, and polluted stormwater runoff, water recreation is not advised. Instead, it's a great time to hike along waterways and enjoy the views from the trail! 🥾 (Be sure to take bug spray...)

A couple more good, big rains should help flush out these pollutants and make conditions safer.

06/16/2026

If you’ve forgotten what Barton Creek looks like when it’s flowing, you’re not alone.

This video from near the Gaines Park trailhead shows Barton Creek moving at roughly 750 cfs last night after the recent rains. After years of drought and extended dry periods, it’s a sight many Austinites haven’t seen in a long time.

The rain is helping recharge the Edwards Aquifer, refill our creeks, and remind us just how quickly Central Texas water can move through the landscape.

The drought isn’t over, but this is a welcome change.

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1124 Regal Row
Austin, TX
78748

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15122828441

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