Austin Area Watersheds: A TMDL Project to Protect Recreational Uses
County: Travis
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: Colorado
Segments: 1403J, 1403K, 1428B, 1429C
On this page:
- Background and Goals
- Get Involved
- Status of Activities
- Approved I-Plan
- Adopted TMDLs
- 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 coordinated public involvement during the planning phase of this project. The City of Austin is coordinating participation now that the plan is being implemented.
Status of Activities
The TCEQ coordinates follow-up meetings, providing opportunities for stakeholders to report on progress and changes in the watershed.
See project photo galleries.
Approved I-Plan
At their meeting on January 21, 2015, the commission approved this I-Plan. Community stakeholders worked together to create the I-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. The EPA approved the TMDLs on March 18, 2015, at which time they became part of the state’s Water Quality Management Plan.
- Five Total Maximum Daily Loads
for Indicator Bacteria in Four Austin Streams
Segments: 1403J, 1403K, 1428B, and 1429C; Assessment Units: 1403J_01, 1403K_01, 1428B_05, 1429C_02, and 1429C_03 - Response to Public Comment
Four TMDLs were added by attachment via the April 2015 Water Quality Management Plan Update. The TMDLs, which were included in the original report, are for assessment units that are of concern, but which are not on the 303(d) List. However, recent EPA guidelines allow for TMDLs that are protective. Therefore, EPA has approved these four TMDLs for the additional four assessment units of concern.
- Attachment 1. Inclusion of Four Assessment Units to Five Total Maximum Daily Loads
Segments: 1403J, 1403K, 1428B, and 1429C; Assessment Units: 1403J_01, 1403K_01), 1428B_05, 1429C_02, and 1429C_03
For More Information
Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and mention the Austin Area Bacteria TMDL project. Or call us at 512-239-6682.
