Answers to Go with Susan Smith

Q. I’m pleased to hear the plans for repairing the dam right below Spring Lake. I’ve missed swimming in the river there. Does the library have historical information on that dam?

A. Our San Marcos/Hays County History files do include information on local dams. Let’s begin with an article in the spring 2015 issue of “Texas Watersheds,” a publication of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

It begins, “When we think of dams in the state of Texas, one typically thinks of dams on the state’s major rivers and the large reservoirs they impound. In fact, most of the 7,500 dams in Texas are located on smaller rivers and streams. These dams were an integral part of the state’s historical economic development, providing power to drive mechanical mills and providing water for cattle and agricultural irrigation.

“Many of these dams still remain, although many do not serve the purpose for which they were originally intended.

“The San Marcos River emanates from multiple springs within the city of San Marcos. These springs are the second largest in Texas, have never stopped flowing, and have historically exhibited the most constant discharge of any spring system in the southwestern United States.

"There are eight species listed as endangered or threatened in the upper four miles of the San Marcos River.

“Spring Lake Dam was built about the year 1849 by General Edward Burleson to power a saw and grist mill. After purchase by the San Marcos Utility Company in late 1895, the dam was rebuilt and used for electric power generation, milling, irrigation and municipal water supply.

“The dam impounds water up to the head springs for a significant distance up Sink Spring hollow, or what is currently referred to as The Slough.

“The maximum holding capacity of Spring Lake reservoir is about 13,000,000 cubic feet and it covers approximately 30 acres.

We also have a source published in 1904 on this dam. In “The Water Powers of Texas,” Thomas Ulvan Taylor adds these details: “The plant belongs to the San Marcos Electric Light and Power Company, the San Marcos Water Company and the San Marcos Ice Company.”

He goes on to describe the generators, supplemental steam engines and turbines in the plant.

Over time, other businesses took over the dam buildings. There have been restaurants there since at least 1983 when I came to town.

People who have been here longer talk about swimming at the "ice house." Now I know why.