Mission and Aransas Rivers Implementation Plan to Improve Water Quality

Summary

In 2004, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality classified the tidal segments of the Mission and Aransas Rivers as impaired due to elevated bacteria levels. In 2016, a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and TMDL Implementation Plan (I-Plan) were developed to address sources of bacteria within the two watersheds. The Texas Water Resources Institute(TWRI) will facilitate implementation of management measures outlined in the I-Plan, engage local stakeholders, expand educational programs, and monitor water quality progress with a goal of improving water quality to meet established water quality standards.  TWRI will educate area landowners and agricultural producers on pollution control best management practices and help identify opportunities to implement practices that mitigate water quality impacts. TWRI will create publications, newsletters, fact sheets, website content, and other materials to promote watershed pollution prevention methods. Additionally, TWRI will conduct water resources education and outreach efforts across the watershed and organize educational programs such as the Texas Well Owner Network.