Microplastics Found in Barton Springs, Blue Hole, and Lady Bird Lake

Microplastics have been detected in Barton Springs, Blue Hole, and Lady Bird Lake, according to the Environment Texas Research and Policy Center’s first statewide report of plastic pollution in Texas waterways. 

The ETRPC analyzed data from 77 sites around the state, from the Red River to the Rio Grande, determining that 76 of those locations contained microplastic pollution, too small for swimmers to spot.

At Barton Springs and Blue Hole, researchers came across plastic fibers and fragments but did not detect plastic film or production pellets. Microplastic fibers were also identified in Lady Bird Lake, placing the city’s most popular recreation and swimming destinations among 76 sites where researchers found the pollutant.

“99% of waterways found microplastics in them, and that’s just awful,” said Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas. “Texans want to be able to swim in beautiful, clean water, like Barton Springs, and not be potentially exposed to something that could make them sick.”

Microplastics are pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters, roughly the size of a grain of rice. Tiny fibers can enter waterways when synthetic clothing sheds during a laundry cycle that gets passed into wastewater, while water bottles, beverage containers, and other plastic products can break into smaller fragments.

Fibers were the most common pollution found, appearing in 52 of 54 samples. Researchers also found plastic fragments in 37 of 54 samples, plastic film in eight of 31 samples, and plastic pellets in four of 28 samples.

The report does not detail the concentration of microplastics at every location, nor conclude that swimming in Barton Springs presents an immediate danger. While scientists continue to study how long-term microplastic exposure impacts human health, research has shown that particles can be ingested by aquatic animals and potentially cause digestive blockages and other harm.

These new findings add to previous evidence of microplastic pollution in Lady Bird Lake. Research presented to the city’s Environmental Commission in 2025 indicated elevated tire and road-derived microplastics near urban tributaries. Concentrations have increased closer to Austin’s urban core, suggesting that stormwater carries particles from streets into the city’s reservoirs. 

“A lot of the microplastics can feel overwhelming,” Metzger said. “The good news is there are things we can do.”

The ETRPC has recommended that cities expand green infrastructure like rain gardens, trees, and permeable pavement, which can filter and absorb stormwater before it reaches creeks and lakes. They have also called for filters on new washing machines to capture synthetic fibers to reduce the distribution of disposable plastic products. But the implementation of these recommendations would require action from state lawmakers. 

That’s why the organization is urging Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to establish a zero-discharge standard for plastic pellets, preventing manufacturers from releasing them into Texas waterways. 

The ETRPC has not yet revealed a cleanup effort for affected waterways but instead announced the launch of a campaign in partnership with a statewide coalition of fishermen, oyster farmers, tourism organizations, health advocates, doctors, and musicians to push for stronger monitoring and accountability for plastic manufacturers.

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