New Fee May Impact Summer Tubers on San Marcos River

(Mix 93-1) Central Texas has several well-known spring-fed rivers that locals and vacationers enjoy by hopping onto an innertube to be carried away by the river's gentle current.

New Braunfels has the Comal River.
San Marcos has the San Marcos River.
New Braunfels has the Guadalupe River.

Each of these rivers has its personality, skill level, and atmosphere. The Comal River is spring-fed and is nearly a constant 72, and is more family-friendly and the easiest to float, and you'll get to see a portion of the Schlitterbahn Waterpark too.

The Guadalupe River is more of a mixture of families and young partiers. This river is dam-controlled, and the water levels could vary depending on conditions upstream.

The San Marcos River is a constant 65-72 degrees because it is spring-fed as well, and is a favorite among locals and the college-age crowd who really enjoy partying as they float the day away.

READ MORE --> Texas Tubing: Escape to the Best Natural Lazy Rivers and Float Your Troubles Away

Central Texas city considering taxing tubers on the river

The San Marcos city council is considering a plan to charge non-residents an access fee for those who launch from a city riverfront park to float for the day.

The Houston Chronicle reports the city is considering a $5 per person fee for those who are older than 6 and a $25 charge for groups of 10 or more. The city would collect the fees at specific locations along the river.

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The river access fee is being considered as a way of offsetting the cost of maintaining and cleaning the city parks. Lately, irresponsible people have been using the river and disposing of trash in the parks, on the banks, and even in the waterways. These people should respect the area and know that others would like to enjoy it as well.

The San Marcos River Foundation recently posted on social media about the trash they picked up after groups left all kinds of trash behind the previous weekend.

So far, no vote has been scheduled on this proposed fee, but it appears as if it has the backing of the city council. The city is gathering input on the measure from residents, business owners, and environmental advocates.