Armand Bayou Watershed: A TMDL Project to Protect Recreational Uses
Above Tidal
County: Harris
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: San Jacinto–Brazos Coastal
Segments: 1113, 1113A, 1113B, 1113C, 1113D , 1113E
Background and Goals
Armand Bayou is a tributary of Clear Lake, located in the San Jacinto–Brazos Coastal Basin. High concentrations of bacteria, which are found in both human and animal waste, have sometimes been observed in the bayou. The presence of these bacteria may indicate a health risk to people who swim or wade in the bayou—activities referred to as “contact recreation” in the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards.
The goal of this project is to improve water quality in order to protect people who swim in the bayou. Toward that goal, the TCEQ is developing total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and an implementation plan (I-Plan) to reduce bacteria in Armand Bayou and several of its tributaries. Before beginning TMDL development, the TCEQ evaluated recreational uses and standards for Armand Bayou Above Tidal, Segment 1113A.
Learn more about water quality standards and management by reading the TCEQ’s publication Preserving and Improving Water Quality.
Return to topGet Involved
In all our projects, we seek opinions and information from people who represent government, permitted facilities, agriculture, business, environmental, and community and private interests in the watershed.
Throughout this project, all stakeholders and communities that use or affect these streams are invited to work on developing the strategy to improve water quality.
The Houston–Galveston Area Council 
is coordinating public involvement for this project. Meeting records are posted on their website.
Everyone is welcome to attend meetings about this project.
For More Information
Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Armand Bayou Bacteria project in the subject line. Or call Jason Leifester (TMDL) or Lauren Oertel (I-Plan) at 512-239-6682.
