On August 29, 2024, the Austin City Council approved a project aimed at protecting Barton Springs during droughts. The Little Bear Recharge Enhancement project will divert water from Little Bear Creek during periods of high flow to a former quarry, where it will recharge the Edwards Aquifer. This initiative is expected to help maintain flows at Barton Springs during drought conditions and enhance the aquifer’s resilience against climate change impacts.
The project has been in development for over 20 years and represents a collaboration between several city departments, including the Watershed Protection Department, Capital Delivery Services, and Austin Water. The site in Hays County was acquired in 2002 through a voter-approved bond package and is managed by Austin Water as part of Austin’s Water Quality Protection Lands.
“I am very proud of all the collaboration that has taken place to make this project a reality,” said Jorge Morales, Director of the Watershed Protection Department. “It’s so important for us to all work together if we want to tackle the complex challenges facing our city. I’m grateful for the support of LCRA and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District as well as the many dedicated City employees from multiple departments.”
The project involves constructing a diversion channel from Little Bear Creek to direct water to the former quarry pit via a newly built rock ramp. Diversion will only occur during high creek flows, ensuring no impact on normal creek flows or current aquifer recharging processes.
An additional environmental benefit includes reusing construction materials on-site. The rock ramp will be built using material excavated for the diversion channel.
The construction cost is estimated at $2.6 million, with work expected to begin within six weeks and last approximately seven months.
“We are pleased to be a part of this project, an important piece of the City’s Water Quality Protection Lands that will improve water quality for our aquifers and Barton Springs,” said Shay Ralls Roalson, Director of Austin Water. “Converting this former quarry to a site that provides environmental benefits is a win for the entire region.”
The Little Bear site is deemed ideal due to its proximity to Little Bear Creek and its relatively small construction footprint. With 47 percent of upstream area comprising Water Quality Protection Lands, runoff flowing into the creek remains clean and suitable for aquifer diversion. Additionally, some recharged water can remain in this area for up to a year before reaching Barton Springs.
The Little Bear site spans 84.62 acres and forms part of Austin’s extensive Water Quality Protection Lands managed by Austin Water. These lands play a crucial role in preserving water quality at Barton Springs through guided hikes and volunteer events.
Volunteers are scheduled to harvest seeds at this site from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 7. Interested individuals can register or find more information about other guided hikes and volunteer opportunities at AustinTexas.gov/wildlandevents.
ABOUT WATERSHED PROTECTION
The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department aims to protect lives, property, and the environment by mitigating flooding, erosion, and water pollution impacts. More information can be found at AustinTexas.gov/Watershed.
ABOUT AUSTIN WATER
Austin Water provides sustainable water services while managing over 34,000 acres of wildlands that protect groundwater recharging the Edwards Aquifer. Additional details are available at their official website.
ABOUT CAPITAL DELIVERY SERVICES
Capital Delivery Services oversees public projects supporting community needs through experienced engineering and construction management teams working collaboratively with various stakeholders.
