Dickinson Bayou: Investigating Low Dissolved Oxygen Conditions
County: Galveston
Parameter: Low dissolved oxygen
Basin: San Jacinto–Brazos Coastal
Segment: 1103
Background and Goals
In Dickinson Bayou Tidal (Segment 1103), concentrations of dissolved oxygen are less than optimum compared to standards defined for the support of aquatic life.
Oxygen, which dissolves in water, is essential for the survival of aquatic life. The amount of dissolved oxygen in water fluctuates naturally, and low dissolved oxygen is a common natural occurrence in some coastal waters like Dickinson Bayou. Various human activities can also cause unusually or chronically low dissolved-oxygen levels, which may harm fish and other aquatic organisms.
This project will evaluate the effects of low dissolved oxygen on aquatic life and determine the best strategy for managing water quality in the tidal portion of Dickinson Bayou.
Return to topPublic Participation
Stakeholders in the watershed formed the Dickinson Bayou Watershed Partnership 
to implement activities that improve water quality in Dickinson Bayou. Information about the Partnership’s meetings is available on their Web site. The TCEQ is working with this existing forum to participate with the public in developing and implementing the TMDL project.
TCEQ-Hosted Public Meetings
In addition to meeting with the Dickinson Bayou Watershed Partnership, the TMDL Program has hosted meetings to provide information about the project to the public at large. Summaries of those meetings are available below in PDF.
Reports
The TCEQ proposed draft TMDLs in 2008. Based on comments received, the proposed TMDLs were not adopted.
- Draft Two Total Maximum Daily Loads for Dissolved Oxygen in Dickinson Bayou,
Segments 1103 and 1104
For More Information
Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and mention the Dickinson Bayou TMDL in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-66682.
