 Our Mission
Since 1979, Save Texas Streams (formerly Save Barton Creek Association) has worked to preserve our natural heritage through our public education, advocacy, and conservation programs.
About Us
At Save Texas Streams, we envision a future where Texas streams and aquifers continue to flow as vibrant, life-giving waters at the heart of our communities. Our vision is rooted in the idea that people and nature flourish together, and that one cannot truly thrive without the other.
We are committed to ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same cool, clean waters of Texas streams that we know and love today. By defending the ecological integrity of our watersheds, advocating for responsible urban growth, and inspiring a love of place, we work to ensure that our streams and rivers remain sanctuaries where children learn to swim, families gather, and wildlife continues to thrive.Â
We embrace not only conservation, but also innovation—advocating for water reuse so that, even as our population grows and climate challenges intensify, fresh, clean water will endure. Through education, advocacy, and community action, we aim to foster a political system where environmental consideration is woven into every decision, and where our state's most precious and vulnerable natural resource remains pristine, clean, and flowing with possibility.
Focus Areas
Streams (Surface Water)
To keep our streams flowing clean and pristine, Save Texas Streams advocates for:
- No new wastewater discharge permits on pristine streams
- Better rules for discharge permits on other streams
- Better rules for wastewater irrigation permits on all streams
- Increased reuse of treated wastewater as recycled water
- Limiting dams and water withdrawals on pristine streams
Aquifers (Groundwater)Â
To protect our aquifers and ensure a sustainable supply of clean water for the Central Texas region, Save Texas Streams advocates for:
- More research on how much groundwater is available
- Better planning on how much groundwater can be pumped out
- Better rules and enforcement for well permits
- More use of Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR)
Watersheds (Land)
Thoughtful land management reduces pollution, preserves habitat, and ensures that water can continue to flow clean and clear through our region. We focus on:
- Land conservation in riparian zones & aquifer recharge zones
- County authority to regulate development in critical water areas
- Limiting impervious cover next to streams and in recharge zones
- Promoting green infrastructure & low impact development
