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Brushy Creek: Developing a Watershed Characterization

Texas Water Resources Institute will analyze data to identify potential sources of pollution contributing to water quality impairments in the Brushy Creek watershed.

Map of the Brushy Creek watershed showing stream segments.

Project Area

River Basin: Brazos

Water Body: Brushy Creek (1244_01-04)

Location: Cities of Leander, Round Rock, Hutto, and Taylor

Background

Brushy Creek flows from South Brushy Creek in Williamson County to the San Gabriel River in Milam County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Williamson County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. As a result, the watershed is experiencing rapid land use changes surrounding the highly urban cities of Leander, Round Rock, Hutto, and Taylor. Two out of the four assessment units along Brushy Creek (1244_01 and 1244_03) have not met water quality standards for primary contact recreation use since 2020 due to elevated bacteria levels. In addition, there are concerns for elevated nutrients.

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Project Description

April 2023August 2025

Texas Water Resource Institute will estimate the amount of pollutants entering the watershed by analyzing previously collected water quality data, wildlife densities, and livestock estimates. Then they can identify improvements needed to meet state standards. A conceptual model will be developed to show the linkage between the water quality problems and sources of impairments.

Due to elevated bacteria levels that make primary contact recreation unsafe in impaired portions of Brushy Creek, stakeholder education is a priority. Education activities will raise awareness about local water quality issues, including causes, sources, impacts of and potential solutions to water quality impairments. Stakeholders will be included in the watershed characterization process.

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For More Information

Texas Water Resource Institute

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

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