In 2019, a construction project on the nearby MoPac Expressway caused damage to the springs that feed Big Stacy Pool. The project involved the construction of a new bridge over the springs, and during the construction, some of the springs were diverted and contaminated with sediment. As a result, the water temperature at Big Stacy Pool dropped significantly, and the pool was closed for several months.The City of Austin eventually sued the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the agency responsible for the construction project, and in 2021, TxDOT agreed to pay $10 million to the city to help repair the damage to the springs and reopen Big Stacy Pool. The pool reopened in 2022, but the water temperature has not yet returned to its pre-construction levels.The damage to the springs that feed Big Stacy Pool is a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural resources. When construction projects are undertaken near springs, it is important to take steps to minimize the impact on the water quality. In this case, TxDOT did not take the necessary precautions, and as a result, Big Stacy Pool was closed for several months and the water quality was compromised.