Shoal Creek: Implementing a Watershed Protection Plan
The Shoal Creek Conservancy will implement best management practices and provide education and outreach to help prevent nonpoint source pollution.
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Project Area
River Basin: Colorado
Water Body: Shoal Creek (1429A) and Spicewood Springs (1403J)
Location: City of Austin
Background
The Shoal Creek watershed is in a fast developing and highly urbanized part of the City of Austin. The watershed is 53 percent impervious cover, and only 21 percent of that area is treated for water quality. Shoal Creek has two tributaries, Spicewood Springs and Hancock Creek. Spicewood Springs has not met state water quality standards for primary contact recreation since 2002 due to high bacteria levels. Shoal Creek does meet state standards, but periodic water quality monitoring has shown elevated bacteria.
The urban character of the Shoal Creek watershed presents special challenges and requires a multifaceted approach to restoring and protecting water quality. The Shoal Creek Conservancy and watershed stakeholders developed the Shoal Creek Watershed Action Plan, which identified sources of water quality issues and the best actions to take to address them. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accepted the Watershed Action Plan in 2021.
Back to topProject Description
December 2021 – August 2024
This project implemented functional and visible best management practices (BMPs) like rain gardens, riparian buffer zones, and pet waste stations. Other BMPs included education and outreach initiatives, land stewardship events, and promotion of sustainable landscaping practices.
Additionally, the Shoal Creek Conservancy dedicated time to identifying and building relationships with key property owners—both public and private—who were well positioned to install or implement some of these practices on their property.
September 2024 – August 2027
The Shoal Creek Conservancy will install and maintain BMPs that include riparian buffer zones, pet waste stations, and rain gardens. Project personnel will empower stakeholders to holistically address water quality in the Shoal Creek watershed and to analyze water quality monitoring data.
For More Information
To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or email us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.