The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) was created by the 45th Texas Legislature on May 5, 1937, then reorganized in 1961 to plan, manage and implement water-related programs and projects within the San Antonio River Basin. The State of Texas empowered SARA to preserve, protect and manage the resources and the ecology of the San Antonio River and its tributaries.

The SARA district covers the San Antonio River Basin in Bexar, Goliad, Karnes and Wilson counties. Yet, SARA’s concern for the quality and quantity of water extends our focus beyond these boundaries, since factors outside the district contribute to the health and well-being of the River and district communities.

During the 2001-02 fiscal year, the SARA Board of Directors approved a Five-Year Service and Financial Plan. The plan included a new mission, positioning statement, and seven general objectives.

Facts about the San Antonio River

The San Antonio River is 240 miles long and flows through five counties: Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, Goliad, and Refugio.

It is home to at least 73 fish species, including the log perch, stonerollers, and sun fish, which are sensitive to pollution and require quality water and habitat to survive.

The San Antonio River Basin consists of six watersheds: Medina River Watershed, Medio Creek Watershed, Leon Creek Watershed, Salado Creek Watershed, Cibolo Creek Watershed, and San Antonio River Watershed.

The San Antonio River has seven major tributaries: Salado Creek, Leon Creek, Medio Creek, Medina River, San Pedro Creek, Cibolo Creek, and Marcellinas Creek.

The San Antonio River feeds into the Guadalupe River 10 miles northwest of the San Antonio Bay.

Historically, the Ox-Cart Road followed the path of the San Antonio River, allowing trade between Chihuahua and San Antonio from 1718 to 1886, via ox-carts, mule trains, wagons, and pack animals.