Lower San Antonio River: A TMDL Project to Protect Recreational Uses
at FM 791
Watershed Counties: DeWitt, Goliad, Karnes, Refugio, Victoria
Parameter: Bacteria
Basin: San Antonio River
Segment: 1901
Background
In the Lower San Antonio River, Segment 1901, water quality testing found concentrations of bacteria that may pose a health risk for swimmers. Swimming and other forms of recreation in which people come into direct contact with the water are called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality.
The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria concentrations in the Lower San Antonio River to within acceptable risk levels for contact recreation.
The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) 
is a partner in this TMDL project.
Adopted TMDL
The commission adopted the TMDL on August 20, 2008.
- One Total Maximum Daily Load for Bacteria
in the Lower San Antonio River, Segment 1901 - Response to Public Comment on the TMDL
The EPA approved the TMDL on October 20, 2008, at which time it became part of the state’s Water Quality Management Plan.
Updates to TMDLs
From time to time, it is necessary to revise TMDLs to account for changing conditions in the watershed, such as new or amended permits, or urban growth, or to correct oversights in the original TMDL report. Revisions to the load allocations in TMDLs are made via the state’s WQMP, which is updated quarterly.
The WQMP provides projected effluent limits for use in planning and permitting activities under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES). The TCEQ reviews all applications for new and amended permits for conformance with applicable portions of the WQMP, including adopted TMDLs.
Revisions to the TMDL are documented in the approved WQMP updates listed below.
- January 2012, Appendix IV, page 17
- April 2009, page 20
Learn more about WQMP updates and about opportunities to comment on revisions to them.
Public Participation
Project staff are informing the public about this project through meetings and notices in print and electronic media. The meetings are open to everyone.
The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) is coordinating implementation of the TMDLs.
Meeting Summaries and Presentations
The following documents are provided in PDF .
- May 28, 2008: Goliad Public Comment Meeting
- March 5, 2008: Karnes City Meeting
- Meeting Summary
- An audio recording of this meeting is available, but is not posted here due to its size. Obtain a CD recording by contacting Earlene Lambeth (512/239-3129; elambeth@tceq.texas.gov) or Diana Washington (512/239-1506; dwashing@tceq.texas.gov).
- Project Update
- San Antonio River Authority Presentation
- March 3, 2008: Goliad Meeting
- Meeting Summary
- An audio recording of this meeting is available, but is not posted here due to its size. A CD of this recording may be obtained by contacting Earlene Lambeth (512/239-3129; elambeth@tceq.texas.gov) or Diana Washington (512/239-1506; dwashing@tceq.texas.gov).
- Project Update
- San Antonio River Authority Presentation
- June 2006 Meeting
- Meeting Summary
- Stakeholder Involvement in the Project
- Overview of the TMDL Program
- Overview of the Project for the Lower San Antonio River
- April 2006 Meeting
For More Information
Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Lower San Antonio River Bacteria TMDL in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.
