White Oak Creek and Tributaries Water Quality Monitoring and Characterization
About the White Oak Creek watershed
White Oak Creek, one of the Sulphur River’s largest tributaries, drains approximately 471,600 acres across Hopkins, Morris, Franklin, and Titus counties. It meanders for nearly 120 miles, passing through Sulphur Springs and Mount Vernon before joining the Sulphur River. Shortly after receiving water from White Oak Creek, the Sulphur River flows into Wright Patman Lake, a vital water supply for the City of Texarkana and popular recreational fishing and hunting destination. Historically, what little data has been collected on these waterbodies shows documented water quality concerns including low dissolved oxygen, degraded fish habitat, elevated nitrate nitrogen levels, elevated total phosphorus and high concentrations of E. coli. On the 2024 Texas Integrated Assessment Report and draft 2026 Texas Integrated Report, White Oak Creek assessment unit (AU) 0303B_04 and Rock Creek AU 0303D_01 are impaired for elevated bacteria beyond the recreational water quality standard.
Characterization project
This project aims to collect bacteria concentration and other water quality data on the upper section of White Oak Creek and some of its tributaries, Town Branch and Rock Creek. Once data is collected a watershed characterization will be conducted to assess bacteria loading and potential pollutant sources. Furthermore, a coordinated stakeholder engagement and educational programs will encourage future participation in stakeholder meetings.
Contact
Amanda Tague
Amanda.Tague@ag.tamu.edu
979-314-8049
Funding is provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board through the State Nonpoint Source Grant Program.
