Austin, TX — August marks National Water Quality Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of maintaining clean and healthy waterways. This month, the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department invites residents to explore how their work helps preserve the quality of Austin’s creeks, rivers, and springs.
The department regularly monitors and tracks the water quality of local creeks using measures such as the Environmental Integrity Index. This index evaluates the chemical, physical, and biological health of Austin’s creeks. Currently being updated, it aims to better understand watersheds and predict impacts on aquatic ecosystems across the city. As part of this effort, nine new stormwater gauging stations are being installed to continuously monitor water flow, dissolved oxygen levels, conductivity, clarity, and collect sediment and nutrient samples during storms. Residents can find information on the status of specific creeks at ATXwatersheds.com/FindYourWatershed or in the State of Our Environment Report.
Annually, over 3 million gallons of pollution are removed by responding to spills entering storm drains or creeks. "When you see a spill," said a department spokesperson, "report it to Austin 3-1-1 as soon as possible so we can identify the source and respond quickly." The department has studied 110 miles of creek to understand how trash ends up in waterways and deploys crews year-round to remove debris from Lady Bird Lake. Through partnerships with volunteers for cleanups approximately 35-40 tons of trash are removed from Lady Bird Lake annually.
Protecting water quality is seen as a community effort by the department. They encourage residents enjoying outdoor spaces to "Scoop the Poop" after pets to prevent harmful bacteria from entering waterways. Grow Zone signs along trails indicate areas designated for improving water quality by lessening erosion and increasing wildlife habitat. Wet pond signs explain how these ponds capture stormwater runoff and reduce pollutants.
Beyond trail initiatives, resources on sustainable landscaping through programs like Grow Green help keep water clean. Guidance on rainwater harvesting and green stormwater infrastructure is provided for managing rainwater before it reaches waterways.
Ongoing projects include streambank stabilization and restoration efforts alongside stormwater control measures aimed at improving water quality in creeks and lakes. The Environmental Policy and Review team ensures that development complies with environmental standards safeguarding water quality.
Residents are encouraged to get involved in various ways:
- Properly dispose of pet waste.
- Report spills or pollution entering storm drains.
- Plant native vegetation.
- Participate in volunteer cleanups.
- Help prevent dumping in storm drains through marking or adopting them.
Throughout August, #WaterQualityMonth posts will be shared on social media platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) aiming to educate and inspire action among residents.
The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department's mission is protecting lives, property, and the environment by reducing flooding impact while controlling erosion and preventing water pollution.
For more information visit AustinTexas.gov/Watershed.