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West Mud Creek

This is a project to reduce bacteria and protect recreational safety in the West Mud Creek Watershed. The stakeholders and TCEQ are developing a total maximum daily load and implementation plan, which together will be the road map for improving water quality.

West Mud Creek with tree-lined banks
West Mud Creek
map of West Mud Creek

County: Smith and Cherokee counties
Parameter: Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria
River Basin: Neches River Basin
Segment: 0611D
Assessment Unit: 0611D_01

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Background and Goals

 In 2022 levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria were higher than those allowed in state standards for one segment of West Mud Creek (0611D). Bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded organisms such as humans, livestock, poultry, cats, and dogs. High levels of bacteria may pose a risk to people who swim or wade in them—activities called “contact recreation” in Texas Surface Water Quality Standards. In response, TCEQ initiated a total maximum daily load (TMDL) project to determine how to improve water quality in this creek.

A TMDL is like a budget—it determines the amount (or load) of a pollutant that a body of water can receive and still be suitable for all its uses. Stakeholders will work with partners, including TCEQ, to develop an implementation plan (I-Plan) to reduce that pollution.

The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria in the watershed, in particular parts of the Angelinas and Neches rivers, making them safer for recreation.

Watershed Description

The West Mud Creek Watershed in Smith and Cherokee counties drains portions of the City of Tyler. The watershed covers about 93 square miles and is a tributary of Mud Creek, which flows into the Upper Angelina River before making its way to the Sam Rayburn Reservoir and then the Neches River.

Get Involved

In all its projects, TCEQ seeks opinions and information from people who represent government, permitted facilities, agriculture, business, environmental, and community and private interests in the watershed. Texas AgriLife Research and the Angelina and Neches River Authority are key partners in this project. Return to this page for updates.

    Contact Us

    Please e-mail tmdl@tceq.texas.gov and reference the West Mud Creek TMDL in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.

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