Current and Future Threats

Nelson Guda, Photographer

Threats to Barton Creek persist today as Austin's growing population requires more water, roads, space and infrastructure. How we choose to direct this growth will determine the future of this premiere natural resource in the heart of our city.

Direct Discharge

Direct discharge of treated sewage effluent into creeks and streams causes algae blooms.

Direct discharge of treated sewage effluent into creeks and streams causes algae blooms.
Save Barton Creek Association

Road Building and New Construction

Road building and new development in sensitive areas leads to polluted runoff and damage to aquifers.

Road building and new development in sensitive areas leads to polluted runoff and damage to aquifers.

Pipeline Contamination

Oil and gas pipelines threaten groundwater.

Oil and gas pipelines threaten groundwater.
Jeff Zavala

Aquifer Overuse

Aquifer over-pumping and drilling causes the lowering of the water table drying up springs and wells.

Aquifer over-pumping and drilling causes the lowering of the water table drying up springs and wells.

Human Impact

Discarding animal waste and trash on trails is unsanitary, unsightly and contributes to unhealthy levels of bacteria in the water.

Discarding animal waste and trash on trails is unsanitary, unsightly and contributes to unhealthy levels of bacteria in the water.

Invasive Species

Landscaping with invasive species such as this Nandina shrub disrupts native habitat. Use native species when designing your garden.

Landscaping with invasive species such as this Nandina shrub disrupts native habitat. Use native species when designing your garden.
Sarah Larocca

Aging Infrastructure

Aging sewer lines in and around creeks can leak, contaminating waterways with pollutants.

Aging sewer lines in and around creeks can leak, contaminating waterways with pollutants.