Guadalupe River Above Canyon Lake: A TMDL Project for Bacteria
Kerrville, Texas
County: Kerr
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: Guadalupe River
Segments: 1806
- Project Overview (PDF)
- Background and Goals
- Public Participation
- Total Maximum Daily Load
- Implementation Plan and Strategy
- For More Information
Background and Goals
High concentrations of fecal bacteria, which are naturally found in both human and animal waste, may indicate a health risk to people who swim or wade in the creek—activities called “contact recreation” in the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards. Water quality testing indicated that concentrations of bacteria are sometimes too high in Segment 1806 of the Guadalupe River, the Guadalupe River Above Canyon Lake.
The areas of concern are specifically confined to two small assessment areas within the city of Kerrville: 1) one mile upstream of Flat Rock Dam to a confluence with Camp Meeting Creek, and 2) from RR394 to one mile downstream. The goal of the project is to reduce bacteria concentrations to within acceptable risk levels for contact recreation.
Return to topPublic Participation
Project staff are working with the Steering Committee of the Upper Guadalupe River Authority 
to keep the public informed of project status. The Steering Committee is a forum established under the Texas Clean Rivers Program, and includes representatives from state and federal agencies, cities, industries, citizen groups, local governments, universities, water districts, agricultural producers, and other water user groups. The river authority has also formed an advisory group to work on developing and implementing the plan to reduce bacteria in the stream.
Meeting Summaries and Presentations
The documents linked below are PDFs.
- May 2011
The TCEQ held a public meeting to receive comments from the public about the proposed Implementation Plan on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at the Upper Guadalupe River Authority.
- June 2006
- February 2005
Total Maximum Daily Load
On July 25, 2007, the commission adopted the TMDL.
- One TMDL for Bacteria in the Guadalupe River Above Canyon Lake, Segment 1806 (PDF)
- Response to Public Comment (PDF)
The EPA approved it on September 25, 2007, at which time it became part of the state”s Water Quality Management Plan.
Updates to the TMDL
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 2008, pages 12-13
Learn more about WQMP updates and about opportunities to comment on revisions to them.
Implementation Plan and Strategy
On August 31, 2011, the commission approved the plan to implement the TMDL for bacteria.
- Implementation Plan for Bacteria in the Guadalupe River Above Canyon Lake, Segment 1806 (PDF)
Implementation Strategy
The state is coordinating a watershed protection plan with the TMDL implementation plan to improve water quality in the Upper Guadalupe River. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority is coordinating stakeholder participation.
Stakeholders reviewed and commented on the draft plan in November 2009. The TCEQ has reviewed and responded to comments and begun the final process to prepare the plan for commission review and approval. The current draft of the implementation strategy includes the following actions:
- Monitor and report bacteria concentrations in effluent from wastewater treatment facilities.
- Reduce feeding of birds and manage the waterfowl population at Louise Hays and Kerrville-Schreiner parks.
- Modify the Highway 16 bridge to reduce wildlife nesting.
- Repair, replace and inspect sewage lines and septic systems.
- Educate park users and install stations for proper disposal of pet waste.
- Educate livestock owners about improving management practices.
To review other project-related reports, visit the Upper Guadalupe River Authority website.
For More Information
Please e-mail to tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Guadalupe River project in the subject line. Or contact us at 512-239-6682.
