The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed and accepted the Navasota River Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) as meeting the agency’s guidelines for watershed-based plans. The Navasota River WPP outlines a strategy to implement management measures that will reduce nonpoint source pollution in the watershed.
The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) partnered with local soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs), Texas Water Resource Institute (TWRI), and the Navasota River Watershed Partnership to develop the Navasota River WPP. This plan addresses bacteria and depressed dissolved oxygen impairments within the Navasota River.
Since 2002, the Navasota River and several tributaries downstream of Lake Limestone have been listed as impaired on the State’s 303(d) List due to elevated levels of bacteria. Plan development consisted of evaluating and quantifying causes of impairments and sources of bacteria to allow the Partnership to make recommendations regarding management measures to meet required water quality standards.
“Through hard work and dedication the Navasota River Watershed Partnership developed a plan to improve and protect their local water resources" said TJ Helton, Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator at the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
The Navasota River watershed includes Lake Limestone in East-Central Texas covering an estimated 1,570 square miles. The WPP will play an integral role for ensuring an abundance of clean and healthy water for the future.
More information on the Navasota River Watershed Protection Plan is available at Navasota.tamu.edu/work-plan/ or by contacting TJ Helton at (254) 773-2250 ext. 234 or thelton [at] tsswcb [dot] texas [dot] gov.
This effort was funded through a State Nonpoint Source grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.