Protect Texas' Waters
Congress is threatening to stop the EPA from protecting Barton Springs. In February 2011, for example, the U.S. House passed a bill that would block EPA action on clean water. We can't let that happen.
Pollution threatens our waters
Texas' waters — from Barton Springs, to the Trinity River, to Galveston Bay — are part of our heritage and part of the natural legacy we want our kids to inherit and enjoy.
Unfortunately, as new developments go up around our rivers and streams, more untreated waste flows from overflowing sewer systems, parking lots and roads into our waters, where pollution poisons fish in the Trinity River, closes beaches at Galveston Bay, and fouls the Edwards Aquifer, which feeds Barton Springs and provides drinking water for 1.5 million Texans.
Scientists say that left uncontrolled, pollution will ultimately close Barton Springs to swimming.
Our waters need help — now
This spring, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will decide whether to approve new, tougher standards for cleaning up lakes and streams. This would go a long way toward ending the pollution dumping and wetlands destruction that puts Texas waterways in jeopardy.
The problem is, forces in Congress and powerful interests are pressuring the EPA to stop doing its job. That's why we're mobilizing thousands of Texans to urge the EPA not to back down when it comes to taking the steps needed to protect Barton Springs and other waters.
With your activism and our advocacy, we can protect our waters
We refuse to let polluters foul our natural heritage — and we have a plan to defend our waters. We're bringing together Texans from all walks of life to protect our rivers, streasm, lakes and bays. All of us — fishers, nature enthusiasts, boaters, tourism businesses, and Texans across the state — have something to fight for.
Our citizen outreach staff has been knocking on doors across the state since May to educate Texans about what's at stake. We've also spoken with lawmakers and have shone a spotlight in the media on the need to protect our waters.
Thousands of you have joined the fight, too. Your activism and our advocacy are a powerful combination.
Join our campaign by sending the EPA a message today.
Tell the EPA that you want to see all of Texas' waters protected.
Key Facts
- In February 2011, the U.S. House passed a bill that would block EPA action on clean water.
- In 2009, officials issued 41 health advisories due to polluted water at Galveston Bay.
- The Trinity River is one of Texas' most polluted waterways — health officials advise against eating fish caught along urban stretches of the river.
- Development is degrading water quality in the Edwards Aquifer — the source waters for Barton Springs.