The Thompsons Creek watershed consists of three tributaries that are listed as impaired for Escherichia coli (E. coli), indicating that the waterbodies do not meet state standards for recreational activities. The impaired waterbodies include Cottonwood Branch (1242B_01 and 1242B_02), Still Creek (1242C_02) and Thompsons Creek (1242D_01 and 1242D_02). The upper assessment unit (AU) of Thompsons Creek (AU 1242D_02) is also listed as impaired for depressed dissolved oxygen. The watershed is adjacent to the urban cities of Bryan and College Station, TX.
TWRI is working to address the bacterial impairments in these tributaries. This involves characterizing the watershed, analyzing historical water quality and watershed data, routine water quality monitoring and stakeholder engagement to bring awareness of bacteria impairments in the watershed.
Objectives
- Characterize potential causes and sources of pollution through water quality and watershed data gathering and assessment to develop a better understanding of the factors causing bacteria impairments
- Monitor water quality and collect samples to better understand the water quality and flow conditions of the watershed
- Meet with key stakeholders to understand water quality issues and determine a preferred restoration approach
- Initiate efforts to form and facilitate watershed stakeholder groups to develop local plans to restore water quality
