Byrds Mill Spring, Ada, OK

## Overview Byrds Mill Spring is one of the largest natural springs in Oklahoma, located near the small community of Fittstown in Pontotoc County. The spring has long served as the primary water source for the City of Ada, supplying millions of gallons of fresh water daily to area residents. Fed by the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer — one of the most significant groundwater resources in the south-central United States — Byrds Mill Spring produces remarkably clear, cool water that flows year-round. The Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer is a vast underground reservoir composed of Arbuckle Group limestone and Simpson Group sandstone, formations dating back hundreds of millions of years to the Cambrian and Ordovician periods. This ancient geological system naturally filters the water, and Byrds Mill Spring has historically been prized for its consistent flow and water quality. The spring has been reported to discharge an average of roughly 8 to 10 million gallons per day, making it one of the most productive springs in the state. The City of Ada has relied on Byrds Mill Spring as a municipal water supply since the early 20th century, and the spring and its surrounding infrastructure remain vital to the community. Because of its role as a public water source, access to the immediate spring area may be limited or regulated to protect water quality. ## Directions 1. From Ada, Oklahoma, head southeast on State Highway 1 (also known as the Ada-Fittstown Road) toward the community of Fittstown. 2. Continue approximately 12 miles southeast of Ada. The spring is situated in a rural area between Ada and Fittstown. 3. Look for signage or infrastructure related to the City of Ada's water supply operations near the spring site. 4. GPS coordinates: **34.5945343, -96.6655632** — use these for precise navigation, as the spring is in a relatively remote, rural setting. *Note: Because Byrds Mill Spring serves as a municipal water source, portions of the site may be fenced or restricted. Visitors should respect any posted signage and access limitations.* ## What to Expect Byrds Mill Spring is set in the rolling, wooded landscape of Pontotoc County in south-central Oklahoma. The surrounding terrain is characteristic of the Arbuckle region — gently undulating hills with limestone outcrops, native grasses, and scattered hardwood trees. The spring itself produces a strong, steady flow of clear water that feeds into Byrds Mill Creek. Because the spring is an active municipal water supply for the City of Ada, visitors should be aware that access may be restricted in certain areas to protect the water source. The site is more of a working water infrastructure location than a recreational destination, but it remains a remarkable natural feature and a point of local pride. The water from Byrds Mill Spring has historically been regarded as exceptionally clean and has been used as drinking water by the City of Ada for decades, though it undergoes municipal treatment before distribution. The spring flows consistently throughout the year, even during periods of drought, thanks to the deep reserves of the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer. Visitors interested in Oklahoma's natural springs, hydrology, or the geology of the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer will find Byrds Mill Spring to be a noteworthy stop. The area around Fittstown is quiet and rural, so plan accordingly — services and amenities are limited in the immediate vicinity.