Springs not only provide wonderful scenery to the Texas landscape, they also contribute to the quality of life of all Texans. Springs are a vital resource for our water needs as they:

• supply the base flow of Texas rivers and streams, thereby ensuring their normal flow
• act as indicators to the overall quality and quantity of a community's water resources
• contribute to wildlife habitat and biodiversity

Springs of Texas

Your contribution will continue the study of one of Texas' most remarkable resources. Springs have always been considered magical or mystical, and their contributions to modern civilization are unquestionable.. Please protect the remaining Texas springs by furthering their study today.

The Story

In 1981, Texas Water Development Board geologist Gunnar Brune self-published the book Springs of Texas, Volume I. Brune incorporated his knowledge of aquifers and his life-long interest in Texas history to document springs in 183 Texas counties. This text has since become a classic, as it is the only known reference source on Texas springs. Gunnar Brune passed away before he could document the springs in the remaining 71 counties of Texas, leaving those springs undocumented and, oftentimes, unknown.

The Importance of Springs

While most Texans would agree that springs provide a wonderful source for recreation, the contribution of springs to society goes far beyond leisure and aesthetic appeal. Healthy springs are fundamental to quality of life. The condition of our springs reflects the health of our aquifers, a major source of our drinking water. Likewise, springs support diverse communities of wildlife and vegetation, thereby contributing to the overall health, productivity, and beauty of the Texas landscape.

"Canary in the Coal Mine"

Springs serve as an indicator of the overall health of an aquifer. An ailing spring can serve as a warning for a unhealthy aquifer, and dry springs can indicate a lowering water table with potential problems for a community's drinking water needs. Brune's 1981 Springs of Texas, Volume I repeatedly reports on failing or failed springs, and state agencies report continuing declines in Texas aquifer levels. Springs can provide us with an immediate and visual warning system to gauge the status of our groundwater.

Historical Guideposts

Springs can tell us not only about our future, but also about our past. Earlier civilizations depended as much on fresh water as we do today. Springs were the guideposts for many Native American trails, as well as for early Spanish explorations and later cattle drives. Many European settlements found their beginnings at spring sites, and oftentimes settlements had to relocate when the spring stopped flowing. Thus, springs not only serve as environmental indicators for our future; they can also shed light on our own past.

The Project

Acknowledging both the importance and the fragile nature of springs, the continuation of their study is both practical and imperative. Recognizing this, Ecological Recovery Foundation brought Brune's Volume I backinto print. Texas A&M Press republished the book, and then asked our non-profit organization to complete Brune's work.

Thus far, ERF has found indications of over 1500 springs, almost doubling the number of springs previously recorded by federal or state agencies. Approximately 600 springs will be documented through field studies; others through interviews with spring owners. Our hope is that through this work, 1) the status of Texas' springs and aquifers can be better understood so the quality of life which they provide can be preserved, and 2) our early relationship to springs can be better appreciated.

***Springs found by Ecological Recovery Foundation during map and document research versus those recorded in Texas Water Development Board and U.S. Geological Survey Databases.

NOTE: In every county visited thus far, Ecological Recovery Foundation has additional "new" springs to be added to the Texas collective knowledge of springs and water resources. As Brune noted in 1981 that many springs were dry or failing, this continues to be true today.

The first way to preserve Texas springs is to find them, measure their flows and document their histories. By giving to the Springs of Texas Project, you acknowledge the importance of springs in Texas. All donations go directly to the research and manuscript preparation for Gunnar Brune's Springs of Texas, Volume II.

Send your tax deductible gift to:

Ecological Recovery Foundation
2525 Wallingwood, Suite 705 P
Austin , Texas 78746

Your Help Will Sustain the Project and Ensure the Completion of this Essential Reference