Save Our Springs Alliance

Let me tell you, no one loves Barton Springs more than Bill Bunch. And Bill Bunch is the driving force behind SOS. Of course, there are other incredibly driven people on the board and volunteering and donating money. But Bill has dedicated his entire life to this cause. He is a force to be reckoned with. Yes, you may not agree with the legalistic approach of the organization or the man. They do try to educate people as well, but have chosen to use their finite resources in very strategic ways. It’s kind of like the Dutch boy with his finger in the hole of the wall of the dam. I forget the exact story and maybe that’s not the best analogy — but suffice it to say it has worked in some ways, and in some ways not.
The best thing you can do if you want to learn about the natural environment in Austin is to go to Barton Springs and then check out SOS’s web site and then go to the exhibit on the other side of the pool’s entryway that will demonstrate how the Edward’s Aquifer works and why fertilizing your grass (among other things) could be contributing to the choking algae blooms that constantly threaten the Springs. And learn about the history of the springs — going back to Native American times and then to the Anglo settlers and to the early part of the last century, before air conditioning, where the entire community (well, eventually — whites were the only ones allowed until the 60s I think) came to cool off. Then look around and realize that the entire community still congregates here, maybe moreso than ever. And it needs your help more than ever.

Overall, I think SOS has done a very good job of protecting environmental interests in Austin.
Without them putting so much effort into getting referendums put on the ballot and getting petitions together, Corporate America would have encroached on us even more. While I think they could have written their proposal in the last election better to clear up confusion, they have consistently put together strong, well-​focused movements to keep our city from becoming Dallas.