AUSTIN, TEXAS — Parks officials abruptly closed the Barton Springs Pool on Wednesday after a "unusual" level of turbidity was detected in the water.
One theory being floated is that the excess turbidity could be the result of a series of heavy rainstorms this month, but that has not been confirmed.
It’s also unclear if the high turbidity is related to lingering effects of Austin-area historic flooding that took place in October.
While the city’s drinking supply never developed bacteria as a result, the potential threat was cited as a possibility in convincing residents to cut down their water usage to allow for maintenance of water plants deluged with higher-than-normal water levels that frustrated water filtration efforts.
Parks & Rec officials provided no further details.
Located at Zilker Park, 2131 William Barton Dr., Barton Springs Pool is an outdoor swimming pool with a maximum depth of 18 feet is filled entirely with water from nearby natural springs.
The pool exists within the channel of Barton Creek and utilizes water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in Texas.
Popular year-round, the pool is usually open to the public from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Map data ©2018 GoogleMap data ©2018 GoogleTerms of Use Sign in Sign in to see a Google map built for you.
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4.6 2,587 reviews View larger map >>> Photo of Barton Springs Pool via Austin Parks and Recreation Department