Mission and Aransas Rivers: Routine Monitoring
A project to gather additional water quality data to help prioritize activities in the Total Maximum Daily Load Implementation Plan for reducing bacteria in the Mission and Aransas Rivers.
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Background
Since 2004, several portions of the Mission and Aransas Rivers have been identified in the Texas Integrated Report as impaired (not meeting Water Quality Standards) because levels of fecal bacteria have exceeded the contact recreation standard. Portions of the rivers have also been listed with concerns for ammonia, nitrate, and phosphorus. In 2016, TCEQ approved a TMDL Implementation Plan to address the bacteria-related impairments.
Back to topProject Description
The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) will conduct routine monthly water quality monitoring at two locations on the Aransas River and one on the Mission River for one year to help guide implementation of the TMDLs. During each monitoring visit, TWRI will test for dissolved oxygen and other field parameters and take samples to be analyzed for Enterococcus bacteria, suspended solids, and nutrients. They will create a database containing all the monitoring data and prepare a data evaluation report.
For More Information
To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.