The Save Our Springs Alliance say they have collected 20,000 signatures necessary to put an amendment on the May ballot.

The charter amendment would aim to steer development away from the Edwards Aquifer as a matter of city public policy. In short, it would prohibit tax subsidies and tax giveaways for developers and call for major employers to move away from the watershed and into the Austin Desired Development Zone.

The AMD development was named specifically as an example. The microchip company is building a new campus in Southwest Austin.

The amendment would also require that the city undertake an impact study before supporting major highway expansion into the watershed.

Finally, it would limit the city's authority to recognize claims of grandfathering on developments in the area.

"They've turned their backs on the springs. They've been selling out for short term greed and development demands. And so we're taking it right back to the voters and to tell them, once again, Barton Springs is critical to our community, and we're serious about protecting them before it's too late," S.O.S. executive director Bill Bunch said.

When voters passed the first Save Our Springs Ordinance in 1992, it was the first citizen-petitioned water quality ordinance in U.S. history.

The Travis County Clerk of Court could certify the petitions for this amendment within the next six business days.