Revamped report provides more information on water quality
By April Smith
The TCEQ’s biennial report on the condition of Texas water bodies is being presented in a more comprehensive manner than previously. The report, which is available online, also includes an easy way for Texans to check the water quality status of more than 700 lakes, rivers and streams.
The 2002 Draft Texas Water Quality Inventory and 303(d) List combines two separate reports required under the federal Clean Water Act: the 305(b) water quality inventory and the 303(d) list of waters that do not meet the state’s surface water quality standards due to contamination or other problems.
The new format also assigns all bodies of water to one of five categories based on levels of water quality. These rankings show how many waters meet their “designated uses,” such as for drinking water, swimming, fishing and oyster harvesting and a healthy environment for fish and other aquatic species.
New Classifications
The revamped report was prompted by the US Environmental Protection Agency, which recommended that states use the new format to better characterize the status of water bodies and more clearly explain cleanup strategies. Starting with the 2002 report, which awaits final approval from the EPA, the TCEQ uses the following classifications to grade water bodies:
Category 1: Attaining the state water quality standards.
Category 2: Attaining some designated uses; insufficient information is available to determine whether the remaining uses are attained.
Category 3: Lacking sufficient data to determine whether any designated uses are attained.
Category 4: Failing to meet one or more designated uses; a TMDL is not required or has been completed.
Of the 731 water bodies assessed in Texas in 2002, the 298 water bodies listed in Category 5 receive the most attention from the TCEQ. They are assigned to one of three subcategories (A, B and C), depending on how the TCEQ intends to address individual water quality problems. For waters in Category 5A, TMDLs will begin in the next several years, depending on available funding. Before TMDLs are scheduled for Category 5B waters, the water quality standards will be reviewed to determine whether uses and criteria are appropriate and accurate. Category 5C waters require additional monitoring to better characterize the water quality conditions. This information will determine whether the water quality standard should be reviewed or a TMDL should be scheduled.
The consolidated report lists the status of streams, reservoirs, estuaries and near-shore waters in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the agency’s plans for dealing with existing water quality problems. Restoring the quality of water bodies to meet their designated uses is usually a long-term project, taking five years or more.
| Category | Total Number of Waterbodies | Streams | Reservoirs | Estuaries | Ocean |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5a | 101 | 64 | 15 | 21 | 1 (3,879 sq. miles) |
| 5b | 35 | 31 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 5c | 162 | 142 | 15 | 5 | 0 |
| Total | 298 | 237 | 34 | 26 | 1 (3,879 sq. miles) |
Nonpoint source pollution is a significant factor contributing to problems in Texas water bodies. Nonpoint source pollutants can be traced to causes such as fertilizer, pesticides, leaking oil from cars and trucks, and construction debris. This pollution is often carried into creeks and streams by runoff.
Patrick Roques of the TCEQ says the number of water bodies assigned to Category 5 demonstrates that “Texas has significant challenges in addressing nonpoint sources, as well as some localized contamination issues that will require lengthy recovery. Some are persistent, long-term contamination problems.”
The TCEQ works with a number of partners to keep tabs on water quality around the state. The Texas Clean Rivers Program and federal, state, regional and local agencies collect and share relevant data.
Addressing water quality in a state this size can be a daunting task, admits Roques, who heads up the agency’s Surface Water Quality Monitoring Program. “It’s a challenge, but we feel we’re monitoring water bodies with the highest human use and representing the most important resources for drinking water, recreation and aquatic life,” he said.
Indicators of Problems
The TCEQ conducts regular monitoring and assessments of surface waters to determine which water bodies meet the standards for their designated uses-recreation, drinking water, general water uses, and/or support of aquatic life. The most common impairments found during water sampling are as follows:
Bacteria levels: Elevated concentrations of fecal coliform, E. coli and enterococci are signs that waste may have reached the waters from inadequately treated sewage, improperly managed farming operations, failing septic systems or pets in urban areas.
Dissolved oxygen: Aquatic life requires oxygen concentrations at a certain level to survive and thrive. The inability to support diverse, abundant aquatic life is an indication of poor water quality.
Dissolved solids: High levels of dissolved solids, such as chloride and sulfate, can cause water to be unusable-or simply too costly to treat-as a source for drinking water.
Metals: High concentrations of metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead threaten drinking water supplies and human health. Evidence of metals often shows up in fish tissue or in bottom sediments. Metals also can affect livestock and aquatic life.
Organics: Toxic substances from pesticides and industrial chemicals pose the same concern as metals. DDT, for example, was banned in the 1970s, but remains in the environment.
