White Rock Lake & White Rock Creek: Developing a Watershed Characterization
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will analyze data to identify potential sources of pollution contributing to water quality impairments in the White Rock Creek and White Rock Lake watersheds.
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Project Area
River Basin: Trinity
Water Bodies: White Rock Lake (0827), White Rock Creek above White Rock Lake (0827A_01, 0827A_02), and Cottonwood Creek (0827B_01)
Location: Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties
Background
This project addresses water quality impairments and concerns in White Rock Creek by characterizing conditions in the watershed to better understand where pollutants are coming from. This is the first step towards improving water quality in this area.
White Rock Creek is one of the few remaining impaired segments in the Dallas Fort Worth area that does not currently have a watershed-based plan. White Rock Creek above White Rock Lake (0827A_01) is also impaired due to high bacteria levels.
Project Description
January 2026 – August 2029
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will estimate the amount of pollutants entering the watershed by analyzing previous water quality data and collecting new data. They can then identify what improvements are needed to meet state standards. Creating a conceptual model will help show the linkage between water quality problems and sources of impairments. High bacteria levels make primary contact recreation unsafe, so watershed education is another priority.
Educational activities raise awareness about local water quality issues, including the causes, sources, impacts of and potential solutions to the pollution. AgriLife Extension will include stakeholders in the process.
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For More Information
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension website.
To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or email us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.