Projects: Watershed Water Quality Studies

Barton Springs Zone Retrofit Master Plan, Austin, Texas
   

Loomis Austin served as prime contractor and primary investigator for a comprehensive evaluation
of water quality problems, sources and potential solutions for the 370-square mile Barton Springs Zone. The Barton Springs Zone consists of six major watersheds which cross the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer recharge zone southwest of Austin. The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer is a
karst aquifer dominated by Edwards limestone and is a major drinking water source for the region. Water stored in the aquifer is typically pristine and serves to supply Barton Springs (pictured at top left), the fourth largest natural spring in Texas. Barton Springs, in turn, supplies exceptional quality water to the Barton Springs Pool located near downtown Austin and considered an environmental jewel by the community. This project involved evaluation of pollution sources (nonpoint source runoff loads, septic systems, etc.) and identification of prospective structural and nonstructural water quality solutions available to provide long-term protection for the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer and other local receiving waters. Work involved assessment of existing water quality data, nonpoint source water quality modeling of the contributing watersheds using EPA SWMM, projections of future non-point source loadings to creeks, the aquifer and the springs, and assessment of a range of potential non-point BMP technologies including preliminary design and costing.

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