Oso Bay: Recreational Uses
County: Nueces
Parameter: Bacteria
Coastal Basins: Bays and Estuaries, Nueces–Rio Grande Coastal Basin
Segment: 2485
On this page:
- Project Description and Goal
- Get Involved
- Adopted TMDL
- Reports and Other Documents
- Contact the TMDL Program
Project Description and Goal
Oso Bay is an enclosed, shallow body of water situated along the southern shore of Corpus Christi Bay, with a surface area of approximately seven square miles. The bay exchanges saltwater with Corpus Christi Bay and receives fresh water from Oso Creek, a stream whose flow is dominated by discharges subject to permit. Ecologically, Oso Bay provides habitat for many plants and animals, and plays an influential role in water purification and storm protection.
In 2002, water quality testing found that concentrations of bacteria are elevated in both the bay and the creek, which may pose a risk to people who swim or wade in them. Swimming and wading are called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality; the term refers to all recreation in which people come in direct contact with the water. The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria concentrations to within acceptable risk levels for contact recreation.
TCEQ and area stakeholders are also working on a TMDL for bacteria in Oso Creek and have conducted a study to assess the oyster waters use of Oso Bay.
Get Involved
Staff from the Center for Coastal Studies at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi are working with stakeholders to develop a plan for watershed improvement. Public meetings about this project are open to everyone.
Adopted TMDL
On August 22, 2007, the Commission adopted a TMDL for Oso Bay. On June 6, 2008, EPA approved the TMDL, at which time it became part of the state's Water Quality Management Plan.
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One TMDL for Bacteria in Oso Bay
Segment Number 2485 - Response to Public Comment on the TMDL for Bacteria in Oso Bay
Reports and Other Documents
Documents are provided in PDF.
- Monitoring Report, 2013 and 2014
- Oso Creek and Oso Bay Bacteria TMDL Model Report - 2006
- Oso Creek and Oso Bay Bacteria TMDL Model Report - 2005
- Map Showing Model Bacteria Loading and Land Use
- Water Quality and Biological Characterization of Oso Creek and Oso Bay, Corpus Christi, Texas
Contact the TMDL Program
Please email tmdl@tceq.texas.gov and mention Oso Bay in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.
