As seen in this map (Map-JPEG) of the Blanco River, the headwaters originates in Kendall County, Texas and flows through Blanco and Hays Counties to the confluence of the San Marcos River. Along its path, the river is fed by numerous springs and seeps and has a drainage area of over 1036 km2, maintaining the groundwater and surface water resources in which everything relies.
Today, the basin remains in a relatively healthy state despite rapid changes in land cover, habitat availability and condition, invasive species presence, human population growth, and degraded water quality.
The Blanco River and its surrounding tributaries have been of recent concern to scientists and conservationists. In 2004 and 2008, The Nature Conservancy of Texas identified several priority research needs including the following:
- Increased knowledge and understanding of the hydrological function and capacity within the Blanco River basin
- Low-impact residential development scenarios
- An assessment of riparian zone conditions of the Blanco River mainstem and major tributaries.
- Promote building practices that minimize habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation.
Analyses indicate (PDF) that specific regions are more vulnerable to development and population growth than others. This may prove to stress existing resources throughout the Blanco River Basin.
Blanco Water Atlas 
