The San Marcos River is the only place in the surrounding area where one can enjoy water as many other regions are experiencing a drought. However, those living in the vicinity of the river believe that an influx of tourists will inevitably lead to an increase in littering.
There is a severe shortage of water in many rivers in central and western Texas, causing an influx of people to the area and an increase in litter," said Joshua Sarkardehi, a member of an environmental conservation group.
Since 2014, the group has been collecting garbage in the water and its surroundings. However, they say that the problem has gotten worse.
Halfin said, "We found mobile phones and e-cigarettes, as well as portable speakers, among the dozens of bags filled with garbage collected from the San Marcos River.
Currently, the use of glass beverage containers is prohibited on waterways, and environmental groups hope to expand the scope to ban all disposable containers. "Anything that is only suitable for single use should not be used on the riverbank, especially large quantities of disposable e-cigarettes," said Sarkardehi.
Tom Goynes, who lives by the river where there is also a campsite, hopes to implement new management standards. "It may look decent on the surface... But at the bottom of the river, people toss their empty drink bottles and then the trash sinks down," said Goynes.
The city of San Marcos has stated that there are no new measures to restrict the use of disposable items in the park. Halfin and Sarkardehi have indicated that they will continue to collect piles of trash until there is a change in the situation. "The river environment needs to be protected, taken care of, and respected," said Sarkardehi.
Cities near New Braunfels and Martindale have implemented a ban on single-use containers and items on rivers. Council member Mike McClabb of Martindale is encouraging San Marcos to follow suit and adopt similar measures.
McClabb stated, "We need to come forward and protect this beautiful river that has been flowing for thousands of years.
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