Pond Creek is a tributary of the Brazos River that flows southeast through Bell, Falls, and Milam counties. Its watershed covers 229 square miles of largely undeveloped areas, farm and ranch land, and natural habitat.
Starting in 2010, bacteria levels in Pond Creek measured above state water quality standards. These standards are set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to protect the health of people engaging in recreational activities such as swimming and wading. More recent water quality monitoring efforts have confirmed elevated bacteria in lower portions of the creek.
The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board is providing funds and working with TWRI to restore water quality in Pond Creek. TWRI will characterize the watershed and work with stakeholders to understand potential sources of bacteria. Public outreach and educational events will raise awareness of the importance of healthy watersheds. This collaboration will guide future efforts to achieve stakeholder water quality goals.
This project aims to improve water quality in Pond Creek through data collection and analysis, public education, and community engagement.
