ABSTRACT
Barton Springs is created where part of the Edwards Aquifer discharges its accumulated flow into a natural, 944-foot long swimming pool. The use and enjoyment of Barton Springs predate the use of air conditioners. Artifacts collected from its banks indicate that the Springs has been a refuge from summer heat as long as human habitation in Central Texas. The Edwards Limestone is what remains of several thousand feet of mostly calcium carbonate materials deposited when shallow, warm seas covered Texas. More than 20 years ago, Austin citizens began to be concerned about the effects of changes in the landscape on Barton Springs. City staff started monitoring the quality of creek water and urban runoff. Research in the Austin area supported results of similar studies across the country. Save Our Springs (SOS) fears were realized when the City Council ratified the final "composite" water quality ordinance for the Barton Springs Zone on 17 October 1991.
