Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan Implementation: Tracking and Inventory of Septic Systems
Background
The portion of the Arroyo Colorado above tidal (Segment 2202) has not met state water quality standards for fecal bacteria, according to the Texas Water Quality Inventory and 303(d) List, since 1996. The tidal portion (Segment 2201) has not met standards for fecal bacteria since 2006, nor has it met standards for dissolved oxygen since 1996. The Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership developed the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) in 2007 to address low dissolved oxygen and high fecal bacteria concentrations.
The WPP identifies septic system management as a high priority because of the high likelihood of septic system failure within the watershed and the large number of stakeholders potentially affected by these failures. Creating a septic system inventory and tracking WPP implementation are critical in initiating coordinated WPP implementation efforts.
Project Description
The Texas Water Resources Institute will:
- Develop educational materials and outreach programs for homeowners.
- Gather current and historical septic system permit data.
- Develop a watershed-wide septic system database to prioritize areas for future septic system repair/replacement efforts.
For More Information
To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.