Watershed planning is a first step for addressing waterbodies that fail to meet state water quality standards due to pollutant loading from nonpoint source pollution. The planning process helps local stakeholders identify and prioritize possible sources and management actions to reduce pollutant loading.
Watershed planning for water quality in rural and agricultural watersheds relies on some key assumptions about the effectiveness and efficiencies of common best management practices (BMPs) for reducing pollutant loadings to waterbodies. Total estimated load reductions identified in plans could be biased by the type or location of studies included in load reduction calculations. We are currently working to develop a centralized and updated database of potential pollutant load reductions identified in agricultural BMP studies across the region.
A key goal of this project is to produce reliable and unbiased data for Texas watershed planners to incorporate into watershed planning activities. These data will help planners and stakeholders identify the types and amount of BMPs required to achieve water quality goals.
