Save Texas Streams
Protecting Central Texas Waterways Since 1979
What We Do
Save Texas Streams (formerly Save Barton Creek Association) is a Central Texas nonprofit dedicated to protecting water quality, preserving natural spaces, and promoting sustainable development. For over forty five years, we’ve combined policy advocacy, public education, and community engagement to protect Barton Creek, the Edwards Aquifer, and local ecosystems from threats like overdevelopment and pollution.Â
As our work has grown, so has our mission—expanding beyond Barton Creek to protect streams and aquifers throughout Texas. Our new name reflects this broader vision and continued commitment to the waterways that define our state. Aquifers cross county lines and so do we. To learn more about how our organization has evolved and the people who made it possible, we invite you to click the button below to explore our rich history.
Our HistoryLatest Updates
Salado Creek Wastewater Permits
Twelve new wastewater permits could send up to 8 million gallons of effluent per day into one of Texas' pristine streams.
Pristine Streams
If passed, the Pristine Streams Proposal would protect Texas’s environmentally vulnerable rivers and creeks by stopping new wastewater discharge that fuels algae outbreaks.
TCEQ Permit Guide
Our permit guide shows you how to easily find, track, and comment on wastewater permit applications using the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s improved online tools.
Airing on Austin PBS: Foreverland: The Story of The Barton Creek Greenbelt
Sunday, April 26, 2026, 4 PM CT
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 3 PM CT
Do you know the story of how Barton Creek Greenbelt came to be? From the producers of the award-winning film, Origins of a Green Identity comes Foreverland, an hour-long historical documentary chronicling the twists and turns of the decades-long effort to preserve the land that is now the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Foreverland spotlights the grit and determination of a few of the visionaries who refused to give up in securing this nature experience for the people of Austin.  Don't miss the broadcast on Austin PBS broadcast!
Upcoming Events
Guided Walks: Ecotherapy
May 16, 2026 | 9 - 10 AM CT
May 30, 2026 | 9 - 10 AM CT
Signup for an ecotherapy walk led by Chi-Wei Chang. During these guided walks along the Barton Creek Greenbelt, you’ll learn simple, science-informed practices that can transform an ordinary stroll into a deeply restorative experience.
Monthly Talk: Groundwater Management
May 20, 2026 | 7 - 8 PM CT
Join us for an evening with Charlie Flatten, General Manager for the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, as he gives a brief history of the District & explains how Austin's groundwater is managed and conserved.
Recent Newsletters
How to Translate Animal Language
Give this podcast episode a listen to gain better insight into animal communication.
Early Spring Blooms of Central Texas
Learn about the Texas native flowers that are nourishing our pollinators in early spring!
Protecting Riparian Areas for Wildlife
Animal tracks in snow reveal the importance of maintaining healthy watershed habitat.
Support Our Work
Even the tiniest donation can make a massive difference for our beloved Central Texas streams and rivers. Your support helps us protect clean water, safeguard natural habitats, and educate the community about the importance of conservation. By giving today, you’re investing in a future where our children and grandchildren can swim in the cool, clear waters of Barton Springs, hike along healthy, flowing streams, and experience the wonderment of Texas's natural treasures. Together, we can keep our waterways—and our community—thriving for generations to come.
Donate Today
