Skip to Content
Questions or Comments: nps@tceq.texas.gov

Arroyo Colorado: Implementing Low Impact Development (LID) Practices, Phase 3

Texas A&M University at Kingsville implemented part of the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) by funding a third set of LID projects in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

On this page:


Background

The Arroyo Colorado drains much of the Lower Rio Grande Valley region. The tidal segment of the Arroyo Colorado (2201) does not meet state water quality standards for fecal bacteria and neither segment meets standards for dissolved oxygen levels. Water quality may be further affected by rapid urban growth which places increased pressure on public lands to accommodate rainwater runoff from developing properties.

The Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership developed the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) in 2007 to address low DO and high bacteria and updated it in 2017. The WPP identifies low impact development (LID) as a key management measure for reducing stormwater runoff volume and pollutants entering the waterways.

LID is a comprehensive approach that incorporates or mimics natural processes (e.g., filtration, sedimentation, evapotranspiration) into site planning, design, or redevelopment with the goal of managing surface water runoff volume and reducing pollution as close to the source as possible. Examples include rain gardens, porous pavement, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting for later use. For more information, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Low Impact Development webpage.

Back to the top of the page Back to top

Project Description

This project installed multiple high-visibility LID practices in the City of Alamo and the City of La Joya. Texas A&M–Kingsville and local partners also:

  • monitored the performance of the LID measures,
  • evaluated possible modifications to city codes that encourage use of LID practices,
  • conducted tours and activities to educate stakeholders about the advantages of low impact development.

The EPA and TCEQ supported two similar projects with previous grants — Arroyo Colorado: Implementing LID Practices, Phase 1 and Arroyo Colorado: Implementing LID Practices, Phase 2.

Back to the top of the page Back to top

For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

Back to the top of the page Back to top