Rock Creek, Quinlan, TX, 75474

## Overview Rock Creek in Quinlan, Texas, is a privately held spring with a remarkable origin story. Located in Kaufman County near Lake Tawakoni, this spring was accidentally created in 1980 when workers drilling at a former rock quarry struck an underground water source. The spring surged with such force and volume that the water filled the quarry faster than the crew could react, leaving heavy equipment — including tractors and other machinery — submerged at the bottom, where they reportedly remain to this day. The spring-fed pool that now occupies the old quarry site is a striking reminder of the powerful aquifers that run beneath this part of North Texas. The area sits within the geological formations of the East Texas Basin, where layers of limestone and sandstone can channel significant groundwater reserves. When the drill breached one of these pressurized aquifers, the result was a rapid, dramatic flooding of the quarry pit. As a private drinking spring, access is restricted and visitors should seek permission from the property owner before approaching the site. ## Directions 1. From downtown Quinlan, head east toward Lake Tawakoni. 2. Make your way to **Lakeside Drive** — the spring is located near **11200 Lakeside Dr, Quinlan, TX 75474**. 3. GPS coordinates: **32.838479, -96.093312**. 4. Because this is a private property, there may not be public signage. Use the GPS coordinates for precise navigation and be sure to obtain permission from the landowner before visiting. ## What to Expect Rock Creek spring occupies the basin of a former rock quarry, so expect a deep, spring-fed pool rather than a traditional flowing creek-side spring. The submerged drilling equipment — tractors and other heavy machinery — reportedly still rests at the bottom, making the site both a geological curiosity and a piece of local industrial history. The surrounding landscape is typical of rural Kaufman County: gently rolling terrain with a mix of open pasture and scattered hardwoods. The proximity to Lake Tawakoni means the area is popular with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, though this particular spring is on private land. Because the spring is classified as a private drinking spring, the water has historically been used as a drinking water source by the property owners. However, water quality can vary over time, and no independent testing data is publicly available. Visitors should not assume the water is safe to drink without current testing. Seasonal water levels may fluctuate, but the spring's origin — a pressurized aquifer breach — suggests a relatively consistent flow. The best time to visit is during drier months when the surrounding ground is more accessible. Always contact the property owner in advance to arrange a visit.