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Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD)

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Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD)

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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 development 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.

10/06/2026

A closer look at how we measure Barton Springs flow.💧

District staff recently measured flow downstream of Barton Springs at Barking Springs. These measurements help us track aquifer conditions, understand drought, and make informed water management decisions.

09/19/2026

Have you ever noticed these signs around Southwest Austin?

They mark the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, where rainwater can quickly move underground through cracks, caves, and fractured limestone. And here’s what makes them unique: these signs aren’t found anywhere else in Texas.

So the next time you pass one, you’ll know what it means—and why this area is so important to protect.

Edit: Edwards Aquifer recharge-zone signs do exist in other parts of Texas, including San Antonio. What is unique here is that TxDOT identifies the signs near Loop 1/US 290 in Austin as a court-ordered exception to its general policy on aquifer/watershed boundary signage on state highways.

08/25/2026

Have you ever wondered what happens when a new well is inspected? 💧🔍

District staff visited a newly registered well to take field measurements and collect water quality samples for laboratory testing.

It’s all part of the work happening behind the scenes to monitor and protect our groundwater resources.

08/20/2026

Recent rain has helped - but the drought isn't over.

While aquifer conditions improved, several key indicators are already declining again. With little significant rain or recharge expected in the near term and summer water demand remaining high, the District is maintaining Stage 3
Exceptional Drought.

Why stay in Stage 3 after recent improvements? Click this link to learn more:

Sculpture Falls | August 2026 Much-needed, above-average rainfall from April through July improved water levels and springflows across the aquifer. However, at the most recent Board meeting, District staff and the Board decided to remain in Stage 3 Exceptional Drought despite our primary triggers cu...

08/20/2026

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.

Address

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

Website

http://www.bseacd.org/

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