Bacteria Fate and Transport
More than 200 water bodies in Texas are impaired because they did not meet bacteria criteria established by the state to protect contact recreation use in freshwater and/or oyster water.
The Fate and Transport of E. coli in Rural Texas Landscapes and Streams project addresses several issues related to bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load (TDML) development and implementation addressed in a recent state task force report. These issues include identifying, characterizing and monitoring the fate and transport of E. coli in impaired watersheds and streams. The results from this project will help in developing scientifically sound TMDLs.
Project members are conducting sanitary surveys to identify potential E. coli sources in the Cedar Creek Watershed in Brazos County. They are also collecting and analyzing water samples at locations along the impaired stream to determine survival, growth, re-growth and die-off of E. coli under different conditions. The project team is also developing and publicizing educational materials on bacterial issues in the state.
Objectives
- Identify, characterize and quantify E. coli loads from various sources in an impaired watershed
- Monitor survival, growth, re-growth and die-off of E. coli under varying environmental conditions
- Monitor re-suspension of E. coli in streams
- Develop and disseminate education materials that will be used to educate the public on bacterial issues in the state
Collaborators
- Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M AgriLife
- Texas AgriLife Research
- Texas AgriLife Extension Service
- USDA Agricultural Research Service
- Texas Parks and Wildlife
- Brazos River Authority
- Brazos County Soil & Water Conservation District
Funding Agency
- Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board
