Upper San Antonio River: A TMDL Project to Protect Recreational Uses
Watershed Counties: Bexar, Karnes, Wilson
Parameter: Bacteria
Basin: San Antonio River
Segments: 1910, 1910A, 1911
- Project Overview
- Background and Goals
- Adopted TMDLs
- Implementation Plan
- Public Participation
- For More Information
Background and Goals
Bacteria from human and animal waste can indicate the presence of disease-causing microorganisms that pose a threat to people who swim or wade in the streams. Swimming and wading are forms of “contact recreation,” a use defined in the state's standards for water quality.
The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria concentrations to within acceptable risk levels for contact recreation in Salado Creek (Segment 1910), Walzem Creek (Segment 1910A), and the Upper San Antonio River (Segment 1911). The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) 
is a partner in this TMDL project.
Return to topTMDLs
The commission adopted these TMDLs on July 25, 2007.
- Three TMDLs for Bacteria in the San Antonio Area, Segments 1910, 1910A, and 1911
- Response to Public Comment
The EPA approved them on September 25, 2007, at which time they 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.
- April 2009, Appendix III, pages 18-19
- April 2010, Appendix IV, pages 19-20
Learn more about WQMP updates and about opportunities to comment on revisions to them.
Implementation Plan
The TCEQ and the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) are working with stakeholders to develop an I-Plan for the project watersheds. The TCEQ expects the I-Plan to be ready for stakeholder review in late summer or fall 2011.
The I-Plan will complement the watershed protection plan (WPP) for the Upper San Antonio River developed by SARA in 2007, together with the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and other partners. The WPP was developed to allow early implementation of measures to reduce pollution; environmental improvement targets were based on data and information in the TMDL report. Get a copy of the WPP (PDF) on the SARA website.
Public Participation
A stakeholder committee called the San Antonio Bacteria TMDL Advisory Group assisted the TCEQ in developing the TMDLs. The group included volunteer members who represented government, permitted facilities, agriculture, business, environmental, and community interests.
Advisory Group Meeting Summaries and Presentations
The following documents are provided in PDF.
- August 25, 2005
- February 24, 2005
- September 27, 2002
For More Information
Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Upper San Antonio River Bacteria TMDL in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.
