Owners of the former Aquarena Springs amusement park, which was in operation from the 1940's through the 1980's, installed the original pipe to divert water to provide its visitors with a clear view of the park's underwater entertainment (which featured mermaid shows and a swimming pig). San Marcos Springs is now owned by the Texas State University at San Marcos and the attention is on the natural system and incredible endangered species that are found there. Up until three years ago, the Service was able to rely on this collection to sustain the captive breeding population which is held at the San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center.

Diversion Pipe, which is estimated to be at least 50 years old, has fallen into disrepair and salamanders are being lost through rusted holes in the pipe and not making their way to the net.

After years with no salamander sightings, the Service starting looking to local experts for help. The pipe will be trucked from San Antonio to San Marcos Springs on Friday, June 17 to replace the worn Diversion Pipe. Partners from across the Edwards Aquifer region including Texas State University, the Edwards Aquifer Authority, and the Service are all contributing to replace the pipe, but the work will be done by a five-person crew from American Underwater Services. The crew (which will include a high definition camera operator from The Discovery Channel) expects to spend two days removing the old pipe and three days installing the new one.