Project Overview

In response to interests expressed by residents of the Brazos Valley and Lower Brazos watersheds, the Brazos River Authority has secured state and federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the project, Quality Water for the Brazos Community .  This project supports the efforts of the local community to manage resources in the area so that both the water quality and economic objectives of area residents are met.  The project provides area residents with sound scientific data and an organized structure for data evaluation and non-regulatory decision-making.

The scientific studies for the project began in 1998 and will be complete in the year 2005. In addition to the project specific monitoring, various other water quality information are available for the study area.

To provide an organizational structure for data evaluation and decision-making, a Watershed Task Force (WTF) was created. The WTF may add members, if they deem appropriate, as the project progresses. The WTF members represent the municipal, industrial, agricultural, and general public interest of the area residents.

The Watershed Task Force met four times in both 2000 and 2001.  It is planned that the WTF will also meet four times in 2002 and continue this practice until 2005. All Task Force meetings are open to the public, and an opportunity for public comment is provided at each meeting. 

Administrative support for the Task Force is provided by the Brazos River Authority.  Technical support is provided by a number of entities including the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas A&M University, and the Texas Institute of Applied Environmental Research at Tarleton University.

Project Objectives

The specific project objectives are as follows:
. Develop a baseline characterization of water quality, aquatic biological communities, and land uses in the study area to facilitate development of a watershed management program based on sound science.

. Determine if there are existing and/or potential water quality concerns.  If concerns are identified, address the concerns through proactive, voluntary management programs developed by stakeholders in the watersheds.  To facilitate the development of effective management programs that are supportive of both the protection of water resources and the continued growth of the agricultural, industrial, and urban sectors of the economy, stakeholders will be provided access to resource people that can discuss management approaches and technology being used effectively in other watersheds.

. Identify funding needs and resources to implement selected management programs.