Lower Nueces River: Implementing a Watershed Protection Plan with a Septic System Assistance Program

Background

The Nueces River below Lake Corpus Christi does not meet state water quality standards for total dissolved solids, and although the river meets state water quality standards for bacteria for primary contact recreation (i.e., swimming wading, etc.), the Nueces River Authority (NRA) and Clean River Program's 2013 Basin Summary Report

In 2009 NRA prepared a Source Water Protection plan Lower Nueces River Watershed Partnership , City of Corpus Christi, and NRA developed the Lower Nueces River Watershed Protection Plan (WPP). The Lower Nueces WPP includes management measures to address all water quality issues and concerns. One management measure includes the repair and replacement of septic systems to prevent bacteria levels from exceeding water quality standards.

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Project Description

From 2017 - 2020 NRA developed and promoted a voluntary septic system inspection program that offered technical and financial assistance to qualifying homeowners for the repair of 12 systems and the replacement of 19 others. CRP and NRA also assessed in-stream water quality improvements resulting from the program. Repairing and replacing septic systems will reduce bacterial and total dissolved solids loadings into the Lower Nueces River.

From 2018 - 2022 NRA is continuing to provide technical and financial assistance to qualifying homeowners for the repair/replacement of at least 15 septic systems under their existing inspection program. NRA will offer at least one workshop for homeowners on the importance of septic system maintenance and to promote the assistance program. Promotional and educational materials will be distributed throughout the watershed.

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For More Information

• Nueces River Watershed Partnership

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

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