Caney Creek Tidal and Linnville Bayou: A Community Project to Protect Recreational Uses
Counties: Matagorda, Brazoria, Wharton
Parameter: Bacteria
Basin: Brazos–Colorado Coastal
Segments: 1304, 1304A
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Background and Goals
The Caney Creek watershed lies in southeast Texas near the Houston–Galveston area and includes the cities of Wharton, Boling-Iago, and Van Vleck. The watershed includes portions of Matagorda, Brazoria, and Wharton counties. Caney Creek flows southeastward before emptying into the Intracoastal Waterway (ICWW) near the northeast end of East Matagorda Bay.
High concentrations of bacteria, which are found in both human and animal waste, have been observed in the stream segments Caney Creek Tidal (Segment 1304) and Linnville Bayou (Segment 1304A). The presence of these bacteria may indicate a health risk to people who swim or wade in the creek or bayou—activities referred to as “contact recreation” in the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards.
The goal of this project is to improve water quality in order to protect recreational uses. Toward that goal, TCEQ and stakeholders are developing a total maximum daily load (TMDL) and an implementation plan (I-Plan) to reduce bacteria in Caney Creek Tidal and Linnville Bayou.
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Get Involved
Staff from the Houston–Galveston Area Council have been working with communities, interest groups, and local organizations to distribute information about this project and involve stakeholders in developing the I-Plan for watershed improvement. All public meetings about this project are open to anyone interested. Watch for meeting announcements here.
Reports
- Technical Support Document,
September 2018
For More Information
Please send an e-mail to tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and mention the Caney Creek bacteria project in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.
