Austin Area Watersheds: A TMDL Project to Protect Recreational Uses
County: Travis
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: Colorado
Segments: 1403J, 1403K, 1428B, 1429C
- Project Overview
- Background and Goals
- Get Involved
- Approved I-Plan
- Adopted TMDLs
- Reports
- For More Information
Background and Goals
High concentrations of bacteria are often found in four streams in the Austin metropolitan area —Waller and Walnut Creeks, Spicewood Tributary to Shoal Creek, and Taylor Slough South. High concentrations of bacteria may indicate a health risk to people who swim or wade in the creeks—activities called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality.
The goal of the project is to reduce bacteria levels to protect people who swim or wade in the creeks. The City of Austin provides summary information about the watersheds 
on its website.
Return to topGet Involved
In all our projects, we seek opinions and information from people who represent government, permitted facilities, agriculture, business, environmental, and community and private interests in the watershed.
Throughout this project, all interested stakeholders and communities that use or affect these streams have been engaged in developing the strategy to improve water quality.
The UT School of Law Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution and the City of Austin will coordinate public involvement in this project.
Meetings
Notice of all general meetings will be posted here. Stay tuned to UT's Improving Austin Streams Web page for dates and information about subcommittee meetings and meeting records.
Approved I-Plan
At their meeting on January 21, 2015, the commission approved this I-Plan. Community stakeholders worked together to create the implementation plan.
Adopted TMDLs
At their meeting on January 21, 2015, the commission adopted these TMDLs. Community stakeholders advised the TCEQ on development of the TMDLs.
Upon EPA approval, the TMDLs will become part of the state’s Water Quality Management Plan.
Reports
Documents created by the community-member organizations of the Coordination Committee are posted on UT's Improving Austin Streams Web page.
For More Information
Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and mention the Austin Area Bacteria TMDL project. Or call Chip Morris or Lauren Oertel, Project Managers, at 512-239-6682.