Eliza Spring

Located behind the concession stand by the main entrance of Barton Springs pool, Eliza Spring is housed in a amphitheater shaped concrete structure built in 1917, which was used as a summer meeting place in the 1920s. The water chemistry of Eliza Spring is very similar to that of Main Spring.

Spring Discharge

The average flow is about 3 cubic feet per second (1,300 gallons per minute). Water flows into the pool shown above through pipes which pierce the concrete floor. Recently much work has been done by City of Austin staff to improve Eliza Spring as habitat for the Barton Springs salamander. During monthly salamander counts, the most salamanders are found at this spring.

Spring Water Chemistry

The chemistry of Eliza Spring water (as well as the three other springs) is predominately a calcium bicarbonate water with low concentrations of dissolved solids.

Spring Water Quality

The spring water quality is assessed by analyzing concentrations of chemical constituents such as major ions, nutrients, and some of the many different contaminants often found in urban settings. These contaminants include pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and nutrients. At Eliza Springs, samples are being collected every three weeks for analysis of major ions and nutrients, and quarterly for analysis of contaminants. Click here for more detailed information on the contaminants investigated.