2010 BASIN HIGHLIGHTS REPORT AN OVERVIEW OF WATER QUALITY ISSUES THROUGHOUT THE Canadian and red RIVER BASINS

The preparation of this report was financed through and in cooperation with

Red river at us78 the commission on environmental quality TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Preface 3 How water quality is monitored 4 We have the data, now what do we do with it 4 Common water quality parameters 5

An overview of the Canadian River basin

Map of the Canadian river basin 6 An introduction to the Canadian river basin 7 Reach I 8 Reach ii 10 Reach iii 12 Reach iv 14 Reach v 16

An overview of the Red River basin

Map of the red river basin 18 An Introduction to the Red river basin 19 Reach I 20 Reach I Upper 22 Reach ii 24 Reach iii 26 Reach iv 28 Reach v 30

Outreach and involvement 32

Recommendations 33

Conclusions 34 Beaver creek at SH25 2

preface AT A GLANCE he Texas Legislature, in 1991, enacted the Texas Clean Rivers Act (Senate Bill 818) in or- T der to assess water quality for each river basin in the state. From this, the Clean Rivers Pro- BRIEF HISTORY gram (CRP) was created and has become one of the most successful cooperative efforts between OF THE RED RIVER federal, state, and local agencies and the citizens of the State of Texas. It is implemented by the AUTHORITY OF TEXAS Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) through local partner agencies to achieve & THE CLEAN RIVERS the CRP’s primary goal of maintaining and improving the water quality in each river basin. The PROGRAM Red River Authority is the partner agency for both the Red and Canadian River Basins.

A watershed management approach was selected as the best method to manage the State’s di- 1991 verse surface water resources. In order to achieve this, the Authority subdivided each basin into Entered into contract with TCEQ for the CRP. five reaches, or sub-watersheds, divided by natural hydrology and composed of classified and unclassified water body segments. The TCEQ identifies each of these classified segments in the 1996 Began monitoring and Texas Surface Water Quality Standards (TSWQS). Data resulting from the collection and analy- sampling sites - Approximately 10. sis of water samples is used in the development of and compliance with these standards. 1999 An integral part of the CRP is the Basin Highlights Report (BHR). The reports are based on Environmental Services Division quality assured data as utilized in the Texas Water Quality Inventory and 303(d) List (TWQI). expanded including in-house laboratory.

The TWQI is an assessment of the water quality data and is composed by the TCEQ every two 2003 years as required under the Federal Clean Waters Act (CWA) Sections 305(b) and 303(d) admin- Monitoring 36 sampling sites. istered by the Environmental Protection Agency. The 303(d) list identifies waters from the 2006 TWQI not meeting the uses designated in the TSWQS. The most recent TWQI may be accessed RRA relocated to new office and on the TCEQ’s website at: expanded lab facility. Monitoring 53 sampling sites. http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/compliance/monitoring/water/quality/data/08twqi/twqi08.html. 2008 This year’s BHR differs from those written in years past. In 2009, the RRA produced the Basin Laboratory receives NELAC Interim Summary Report, which included extensive technical data analysis based on the final 2008 Certification TWQI. This report utilizes the same information; however, the time frame is from September 2009 2008 through August 2009. The final 2010 TWQI or CWA section 305(b) and 303(d) Integrated Laboratory achieves NELAC Report is still in draft format. This BHR is brief in its extent and focuses mainly on water body Certification. Monitoring 49 sites. impairments and concerns. Therefore, it is suggested that the reader view the 2009 Summary Re- port of the Canadian and Red River Basins for more in depth information. It may be found on the RRA website at: www.rra.dst.tx.us. 3 INTRODUCTION

HOW IS WATER WE HAVE THE DATA, NOW WHAT use, the water body is said to be QUALITY MONITORED? DO WE DO WITH IT? “impaired.” Water bodies may also have

ater quality can be evaluated us- he State of Texas has designated five “concerns” if short-term data show ele- W ing physical characteristics, T water use categories including: vated levels. A “concern” can also indi- chemical characteristics, or a combination aquatic life, contact recreation, fish con- cate a potential water quality issue where of the two. Parameters, such as, dissolved sumption, public water supply, and gen- there is either an insufficient amount of oxygen, bacteria, suspended solids, and eral use. Each category has numerical cri- data to compare to or no numeric criteria chlorides, are just a few examples of how teria associated with it depending on its (limits) have been established.

water quality can be measured. Through- designated use. For example, water desig- Some examples of water quality parame- out the Canadian and Red River Basins nated for public water supply will have ters commonly used to evaluate water there are several entities who participate in more stringent requirements compared to a quality are listed in the table on page 5. routine water quality monitoring efforts: water body designated for general use. Collecting field data Sweetwater Creek at Us83 • Red River Authority (RRA) All available data collected during moni- • City of Sherman toring events are used to develop appropri- • Texas Commission on Environmental ate water quality standards (WQS) for wa- Quality (TCEQ) ter bodies across Texas. WQS use a pe- • United States Geological Survey riod of record data, many years if available (USGS) to develop appropriate standards for water bodies across Texas. The TWQI differs Joint efforts and adherence to Quality As- from this using a seven-year assessment surance Project Plans (QAPPs) enable data window that progressively moves every collected from various organizations state- two years. Current datasets are then com- wide to be used in collaborative efforts to pared to these standards to evaluate water assess the water quality and develop water quality. Data may either support, or not quality standards for streams, rivers, and support the designated use. If data do not lakes. show good water quality to support the

4 Common Water Quality Parameters FIELD PARAMETERS Collected and processed in the field laboratory. Results are expressed in mg/L except where noted. PARAMETER DEFINITION The hydrogen-ion activity of water caused by the breakdown of water molecules and the presence of dissolved acids and bases. pH pH determines whether a water body is acidic, neutral, or basic. The pH of the water may affect the toxicity of many substances. Re- sults are expressed in standard units. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) - the oxygen that is freely available in water. DO is vital to fish and other aquatic life and the prevention of Dissolved Oxygen odors. Traditionally, adequate ranges of dissolved oxygen levels have been accepted as the single most important indicator of a wa- ter body's ability to support desirable aquatic life. The current indicator bacteria to determine if the water body is suitable for contact recreation. It is expressed in MPN (most probable number) per 100mL of water. High results of an E. coli test can indicate a potential pollution problem. E. coli is used as an indicator Bacteria (E. coli) because it is found in warm blooded animal fecal matter and could indicate potentially harmful conditions to people like pathogen exposure. CONVENTIONAL PARAMETERS Collected in the field but processed in the laboratory. Results are expressed in mg/L except where noted. PARAMETER DEFINITION Naturally occurring in surface and wastewater, and is produced by the breakdown of compounds containing organic nitrogen. Ammonia Elevated ammonia levels are a good indicator of organic pollution.

A photosynthetic pigment which is found in all green plants. The concentration of chlorophyll-a is used to estimate phytoplankton Chlorophyll-a biomass in surface water. Results are expressed in micrograms per liter. Nutrients can stimulate the production of chlorophyll-a, leading to elevated levels which can indicate a problem.

Is a soluble form of phosphorus (PO4) that is applied to urban and agricultural land as fertilizers and is often found in storm water Orthophosphorus run-off.

An essential nutrient to the growth of organisms and can be the nutrient that limits the primary productivity in water. An excessive Total Phosphorus amount from wastewater, agricultural drainage, and certain industrial wastes, also contributes to the eutrophication of lakes and other water bodies. Phosphorus is commonly known as a man-made pollutant.

Total Dissolved Solids TDS - A measure of solids, both organic and inorganic, dissolved in water.

Usually dissolved into waters from rocks and soils containing gypsum, iron sulfides, and other sulfur compounds. Sulfides are Sulfate widely distributed in nature and in high concentration, sulfate can affect drinking water.

One of the major inorganic ions in water and wastewater. Concentrations can be increased by industrial processes. High chloride Chloride concentrations can affect metallic objects, growing plants, and make water unsuitable for drinking. Chloride compounds, often known as salts, can be an indicator of natural or manmade pollution, as in the case of oil field brines.

5 Canadian river basin

6 An introduction to the Canadian River basin he Canadian River Basin includes all or parts of 15 counties support aquatic life and recreational uses. However, there are two T in the . Beginning at the northeastern major issues that have long affected the Canadian River Basin. slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico as a One is the ongoing drought that has been a problem since the mid tributary to the Arkansas River, the Canadian River eventually 1990’s. This has caused water conservation to become a normal flows into the Mississippi River. As the Canadian River flows way of life for the people that live within the Canadian River Ba- from New Mexico into Texas, it descends from 9,000 feet above sin. With this concern, the development of water resources for mean sea level to 3,600 feet above mean sea level. Its drainage public water supply has become even more important. In an effort area encompasses approximately 12,616 square miles in Texas. to supply more water for public use, we encounter the second ma- jor issue that affects the water quality within the Canadian River In Texas, the Canadian River crosses a relatively flat prairie with Basin, the high levels of chloride. The excessive chloride levels a gradual slope to an elevation of 2,870 feet above mean sea level are caused by Permian salt deposits that flow from a shallow arte- at the border. The Canadian River courses through a sian “brine aquifer” near Logan, New Mexico. As previously relatively flat prairie that gives rise to two eco-regions: the High mentioned, Lake Meredith supplies a large area of the panhandle Plains and the Rolling Plains. North of Amarillo, which is the with drinking water. In a effort to reduce the concentration of largest city in the Texas Panhandle, lies Lake Meredith. Lake chloride entering the lake, the Lake Meredith Salinity Control Meredith is an artificial reservoir created by the Sanford Dam on Project was implemented in 2001. This project should reduce the Canadian River. The lake, along with the Ogallala Aquifer, chloride levels, improving the water quality entering Lake Mere- provide drinking water and irrigation for this moderately dry area dith over time. In order to continue to keep up with the demand of the High Plains. There is a total of three major reservoirs and for quality drinking water, more projects such as this will be nec- four major aquifers in the Texas portion of the Canadian River essary. Basin. More than 250,000 Texans within the Canadian River Ba- Canadian river at sh70 sin rely on its water resources. The average annual precipitation varies from 25 inches in the mountainous upper reaches to 15 inches in eastern New Mexico, and 22 inches near the Texas- Oklahoma border.

To design the most effective sampling plan, the basin is divided into five reaches. There are five classified stream segments and six unclassified stream segments in the Canadian River Basin.

The waters of the Canadian River Basin are generally good in quality. The majority of the water bodies throughout the basin 7

each I of the Canadian River Basin appears on the TWQI 303(d) list for AT A GLANCE r encompasses an area approximately bacteria. Like Dixon Creek, this is most SALT CEDAR CONTROL 90 miles long and 40 miles wide. It likely due to wildlife using the water includes the northern portion of Hemphill body and unauthorized dumping of re- PROGRAM County and the southernmost section of fuse. Lipscomb County to Hutchinson County Salt Cedar is a non-native invasive plant Goals - Nonpoint source issues are most and the northern portion of Carson species originating from Eurasia and often characterized by their inability to be County. It is located on the main stem of Northern Africa. It was introduced to easily pinpointed. Future development of the Canadian River and represents a North America in the early 1800’s as an a watershed protection plan will aid in watershed from the Texas-Oklahoma ornamental species. As most often is the identifying contributing sources and state line to the Sanford Dam on the Ca- case, the plant escaped cultivation and has creating management plans and strategies nadian River. since gone on to create several problems leading toward the overall improvement throughout the United States. Dixon Creek (0101A) - Dixon Creek of water quality within the reach. appears on the TWQI 303(d) list for both Notorious for creating large concentrations bacteria and low dissolved oxygen. This of salt to freshwater streams and water can most likely be attributed to wildlife bodies, Salt Cedar is also responsible for and livestock utilizing the water body to using large amounts of water and lowering drink from and keep cool during the ground water tables, making it almost im- warm summer months. High bacteria possible for other native species to survive, levels may also contribute to lower DO resulting in large monotypic stands of the values observed at the site during routine plant. monitoring.

The Canadian River Municipal Water Rock Creek (0101B) - Rock Creek also Rock creek at electric city Authority (CRMWA) has implemented a management plan and treated some 14,601 Canadian Reach I - 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory Segment Water body 303(d) List Concerns acres since 2004 in an effort to increase Canadian River Below water quality and flow in the Canadian 0101 Ammonia Lake Meredith River, promoting a better habitat for the Bacteria, Nitrate, Bacteria, Low Arkansas River Shiner. 0101A Dixon Creek Orthophosphorus, Dissolved Oxygen Chlorophyll-a 0101B Rock Creek Bacteria Nitrate 8 9 each II of the Canadian River Basin Canadian Reach II - 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory r is located from the Sanford Dam at Segment Water body 303(d) List Concerns Lake Meredith to the Texas-New Mexico Chloride, Mercury in Mercury in Fish 0102 Lake Meredith Edible Tissue, Sulfate, state line and up to Oldham and Hartley Tissue TDS Counties. The City of Amarillo, which is Canadian River above the largest city in both the Canadian and 0103 Chloride Lake Meredith Red River Basins, has a total population of Chlorophyll-a, over 174,000 and is divided by both river 0103A East Amarillo Creek Nitrate basins. Reach II makes up about a fourth of the northwestern portion of the city, mercury in edible fish tissue. Tissue sam- observed in this segment for the past sev- making the total population of the reach ples from walleye were found to contain eral years, and are a contributing factor to approximately 120,000. mercury levels which could pose possible the elevated TDS and chloride seen in

Located within Reach II is Lake Meredith, health risks to pregnant woman, infants, Lake Meredith. Although some chloride the largest reservoir in the Canadian River and young children. deposition is naturally occurring, remnants of antiquated drilling practices and the Basin. Managed by the Canadian River Canadian River Above Lake Meredith growing infestation of Salt Cedar are Municipal Water Authority (CRMWA), (0103) - High chloride levels have been water from Lake Meredith is distributed to known contributors as well. eleven area cities located within parts of Goals - CRMWA has taken steps to lower the Canadian, Red, Colorado and Brazos chloride levels in the Canadian River River Basins. Because of the elevated above Lake Meredith, which in turn chloride and sulfate levels, the water from should improve the quality in Lake Mere- Lake Meredith is blended with high qual- dith. A series of shallow wells have been ity ground water. This blending is de- implemented in an effort to intercept brine signed to maximize yield and improve before it enters the river system. CRMWA both quality and quantity of the water de- has also taken steps to remove salt cedar livered to all of its member cities. that have infested thousands of acres along

Lake Meredith (0102) - Lake Meredith is the river. For more information on listed on the 2008 303(d) list for chloride, CRMWA and these programs visit their sulfate, and total dissolved solids (TDS). website at http://www.crmwa.com.

The reservoir also appears on the list for Canadian River at us83

10 11 Canadian Reach III - 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory Segment Water body 303(d) List Concerns Chlorophyll-a, Orthophosphorus, 0105 Rita Blanca Lake pH Ammonia, Total Phosphorus

each III of the Canadian River Basin comes apparent why contact recreation r represents the Rita Blanca Creek standards have not been met. Watershed upstream to the Texas-New Goals - Rita Blanca Lake is the second- Mexico state line encompassing Hartley most important wintering area for migra- and Dallam Counties. tory birds in the Texas Panhandle. It has The three sub-watersheds contained in this been estimated that anywhere between reach include approximately 3,600 square 40,000-100,000 geese alone frequent the miles, of which an estimated 1,500 square reservoir during the winter months. In- miles are contributing drainage. Within creased loading from excessive numbers the reach are fifty-three Concentrated Ani- of waterfowl, coupled with minimal in- mal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permits flow and low average rainfall promote nu- and three permitted solid waste disposal trient loading resulting in elevated pH val- sites. The City of Dalhart is the only per- ues observed at the sight. mitted wastewater discharger in this reach. At the present time there is not a good Rita Blanca Lake (0105) - Rita Blanca resolution to remedy the problems at Rita Lake is unique in that it is the only seg- Blanca. Until increased rainfalls return to ment in the entire Canadian River Basin to the Texas panhandle it is likely Rita be classified as a Noncontact Recreation Blanca Lake will continue to experience Segment primarily resulting from its ex- similar problems. cessive use by large flocks of waterfowl. Appearing on the 303(d) list for pH, with concerns for ammonia, chlorophyll-a, and both total and orthophosphorus, it be- Salt fork red river at us83 12 13

each IV of the Canadian River Basin problems with excessive waterfowl lay- AT A GLANCE r includes Palo Duro Creek (Segment over during the winter months. 0199), a classified water body, from the DROUGHT AND WATER Goals - Currently there is not much that northern Texas-Oklahoma state line up- QUANTITY CONCERN can be done to help the reservoir. The stream to its headwaters, including por- naturally arid nature of the region has tions of Coldwater Creek, Frisco Creek, Over the past seven years, the Texas plagued the filling of the reservoir. Until and Lower Beaver River. It contains three Panhandle has experienced severe drought, rain returns to the region, excessive nutri- sub-watersheds with 6,500 square miles, creating some concern regarding water ent loading from water fowl will continue of which 3,500 are contributing drainage quality and water quantity. CRMWA re- to create similar problems. in Texas. It was not assessed in 2008 and lies heavily on the capacity of Lake Mere- current data is not available. dith, which hit a record low elevation this year (2010), to deliver water resources to Palo Duro Reservoir (0199A) - Com- its eleven member cities. Despite some- pleted in 1991 with a total storage capacity what normal rainfalls in the recent past, the of 60,900 acre feet and managed by the events have lacked the duration and Palo Duro River Authority (PDRA), Palo intensity required to create the runoff to Duro Reservoir is one of the few water significantly raise lake levels. bodies located in the Texas Panhandle. Despite its rather large storage capacity, Historically, some 20-25 billion gallons of according to the PDRA its five-year ca- water have been provided, accounting for pacity was only 2.89%, with the ten year almost 70% of the total resources required. capacity slightly higher at 7.63%. However, drought has drastically reduced these numbers. Palo Duro Reservoir appears on the 2008 303(d) list for low dissolved oxygen with Currently, groundwater wells in the John a concern for ammonia. Like Rita Blanca, A GLIMPSE OF PALO C. Williams Well Field have been DURO CANYON DOWNSTREAM developed to compensate for lower lake the reservoir also experiences similar OF PALO DURO RESERVOIR levels. This high quality groundwater is currently blended with lake water to Canadian Reach IV - 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory increase the overall water quality. Segment Water body 303(d) List Concerns 0199A Palo Duro Reservoir Low Dissolved Oxygen Ammonia

14 15 each V of the Canadian River Basin r comprises the Wolf Creek Water- shed from the Texas-Oklahoma state line upstream to its headwaters. It includes the upper eastern section of the Texas Panhan- dle in Lipscomb and Ochiltree Counties, which is about 65 miles long and 35 miles wide. It consists of three sub-watersheds with 3,589 square miles of contributing drainage.

Wolf Creek (0104) - According to the 2008 TWQI, Wolf Creek indicates a con- cern for chlorophyll-a. Data analysis re- vealed only two exceedances out of forty- three samples (4.65%) the RRA analyzed. However, Lake Fryer, located in the upper assessment unit (AU) of the segment (0104-03), exceeded the screening level 53% of the time. With minimal ex- ceedances in our AU it is hard to say if there is actually a need for concern in the lower portion of the segment.

Goals - Wolf Creek was removed from the 303(d) list for bacteria in 2008 after data showed significant water quality improve- ment. Continued monitoring efforts may highlight potential nutrient sources, which Wolf Creek at SH305 in turn could over-stimulate plant growth, Canadian Reach V - 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory resulting in increased levels of chlorophyll Segment Water body 303(d) List Concerns -a. Reduction in nutrient loading will 0104 Wolf Creek Chlorophyll-a lower chlorophyll-a values. 16 17 RED river basin

18 An introduction to the red River basin ith the Red River being the second longest river in the The watershed receives an average annual precipitation varying W State of Texas, the Red River Basin encompasses all or from 15 inches in eastern New Mexico to 55 inches near the parts of 43 counties across North Texas. The Red River is an in- Texas-Arkansas border. The average annual runoff in the basin is terstate water body that originates in Curry County, New Mexico, about 159 acre-feet per square mile of contributing drainage area. as Tierra Blanca Creek. Tierra Blanca and Palo Duro Creeks Stream flow at the Texas-Arkansas state line averages 11,490 cu- merge to form the Prairie Dog Town Fork, which flows across the bic feet per second (CFS) or 8.3 million acre-feet per year. Texas Panhandle carving the spectacular of the The water quality within the Red River Basin is good and sup- High Plains. As the Prairie Dog Town Fork crosses the 100th ports aquatic life and recreational use. However, due to the high meridian in Childress County, the south bank becomes the state concentrations of naturally occurring salts, only 12 of the 30 clas- boundary between Texas and Oklahoma. The Prairie Dog Town sified stream segments have been designated as useable for public Fork joins with the North Fork of the Red River northeast of water supply. Water bodies such as the Wichita River, the Pease Vernon to become the Red River proper. From this point, the River and the Red River are plagued with excessive concentra- Red River continues its southeasterly direction across Texas into tions of chloride and sulfate. Through ongoing efforts by federal, southwestern Arkansas, then turns south into Louisiana, where it state, local agencies and the public stakeholders these issues are discharges into the Mississippi River near Simmesport, Louisi- being addressed. As the State Sponsor of the Red River Chloride ana. Control Project, the Red River Authority will continue to back the The main stem of the Red River has a total length of 1,217 river Chloride Control Project to improve the quality of water in the miles. The Red River covers a total drainage area of 30,700 Red River and its tributaries. For additional information on the square miles in Texas and contains 30 classified stream segments Wichita River Basin portion of the Red River Chloride Control totaling 1,616 stream miles. The Red River Basin contains one of Project, please review the Water Resource Section of the Author- the largest capacity reservoirs in Texas, Lake Texoma, along with ity’s website at www.rra.dst.tx.us. Public involvement is vital in 31 other reservoirs impounding approximately 238,165 surface locating concerns, setting priorities and seeking solutions to water acres that provide water to a growing population of more than quality within the Red River Basin. 900,000 people.

The Red River crosses through six major eco-regions and con- trasting elevations from 495 feet to 4,835 feet above sea level to shape this diverse area. The topography of the Red River Basin ranges from flat prairies in the western reach to rolling hills in eastern Texas. Wichita river at fm810 19 each I of the Red River Basin, the Red (Lower) Reach I - 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory r easternmost reach of the Texas por- Segment Water body 303(d) List Concerns tion of the Red River Basin, is an area ap- 0201 Lower Red River Chlorophyll-a proximately 230 miles long by 35 miles Bacteria, Low Chlorophyll-a, Low 0201A Mud Creek wide. Numerous small communities and Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved Oxygen rural areas are characteristic for a majority 0202 Red River Below Lake Texoma Chlorophyll-a of the easternmost areas. Westward, the 0202C Pecan Bayou Chlorophyll-a Orthophosphorus, Sherman-Denison metropolitan area is one 0202D Pine Creek Chlorophyll-a of the fastest growing regions in the state. Throughout the reach there are some Low Dissolved Oxygen, Ammonia, 10,000 farms covering over three million 0202G Smith Creek Bacteria Orthophosphorus, acres. This diverse geographic reach is Total Phosphorus also host to a variety of diverse water bod- 0209 Pat Mayse Lake Manganese in Sediment ies as well. ria and low dissolved oxygen will continue Goals - In short, more data and special Mud Creek (0201A) - Mud Creek is an to threaten water quality in Mud Creek. studies will need to be conducted to deter- unclassified segment listed on the 2008 mine the cause of the problems water bod- Smith Creek (0202G) - Smith Creek is a TWQI 303(d) list for both bacteria and ies in Lower Reach I are experiencing. relatively new unclassified segment, listed low dissolved oxygen. It is important to Rapid urbanization and lack of rainfall are on the 2008 TWQI 303(d) list for bacteria note the concern for chlorophyll-a as well. likely culprits. More often than not envi- and several other concerns. However, this In most water bodies, phosphorus is the ronmental consequences are an after is to be expected since most of its prob- limiting factor supporting growth. Typi- thought following development. Many of lems are co-dependent on one another, cally, increased algal growth correlates the concerns in the reach are interrelated meaning if one is elevated, most likely the with increased phosphorus levels. In most so it is likely a large scale watershed pro- others will be as well. Bacteria counts for cases the algal growth is short-lived, re- tection plan coupled with increased stake- Smith Creek have ranged from below 32 sulting in an excessive of dead/decaying holder awareness could prove to be ex- Most Probable Number (MPN) to greater plant matter which could provide a food tremely beneficial to water quality. source for substantial amounts of bacteria. than 24,000 MPN. No trend is apparent This scenario, coupled with the absence of and more data will need to be collected to a sustained flow, promotes low dissolved evaluate potential point and nonpoint oxygen. Until flow increases, both bacte- source contributions to these elevated bac- teria levels. Smith creek at us271 20 21 Red (Upper) Reach I - 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory AT A GLANCE Segment Water body 303(d) List Concerns Orthophosphorus, ZEBRA MUSSEL 0202E Post Oak Creek Chlorophyll-a The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, Nitrate, 0202F Choctaw Creek Orthophosphorus is a small species of freshwater mussel originally native to lakes in southeast Chlorophyll-a, Orthophosphorus, TDS & Russia, but has since become an invasive 0203 Lake Texoma Chloride in Finished species in several countries around the Drinking Water globe, with the first North American Ammonia, sighting at the Great Lakes in 1988. 0203A Big Mineral Creek Orthophosphorus The zebra mussel earned its name from the 0204 Red River Above Lake Texoma Bacteria, Chlorophyll-a striped pattern on its D-shaped shell. lthough none of the water bodies duce safe drinking water. Typically, adults grow to be no more than A referenced above are on the 2008 Goals - Storm water runoff is beginning to 5cm (two inches). Zebra mussels can be TWQI 303(d) list, there are several water receive more and more attention from state found attached to a wide variety of quality concerns throughout the upper por- and federal agencies. Increased public surfaces. They have been found attached tion of Reach I. Chlorophyll-a and phos- awareness and continued implementation to boat docks, the undersides of personal phorus problems are areas of concern in of best management practices, especially water craft, anchors, water intakes, buoys, several water bodies throughout the reach. in areas of rapid urbanization and develop- and so forth. Despite their ability to Since phosphorus is typically considered a ment, are necessary to mitigate the amount improve water quality through filtering, human, or man-made pollutant, the ele- of urban runoff and other NPS pollutants they have become a nuisance, especially to vated levels could be attributed to the reaching our rivers, lakes, and streams. municipal water systems. They tend to rapid urbanization this area is experienc- gather in large numbers and can create ing. massive blockages that are expensive and difficult to remove. Lake Texoma has concerns for both chlo- ride and TDS in finished drinking water. Zebra mussels have been found across the This is of particular concern to water treat- United States and on one occasion in Lake ment plant facilities because as salinity Texoma. It is believed that Personal Water increases, so does the cost to treat and pro- Crafts, are facilitating their range. Choctaw creek at us82

22 23 each II of the Red River Basin repre- onto surrounding soils. The effects of this Wichita River Below Lake Diversion r sents the Wichita River and Little are still evident throughout parts of the Dam (0214) - This portion of the Wichita Wichita River watersheds from the conflu- reach today. River is on the 303(d) list for bacteria with ence of the Red River in Clay County, several concerns as well. The most likely Little Wichita River (0211) - LWR is west to their headwaters in Dickens explanation is contamination from several listed on the 303(d) list for dissolved oxy- County. Reach II is a large, diverse area nonpoint source issues. gen, due to lack of rainfall and flow. In- with most of the large population centers creased chlorophyll-a levels promote ele- Beaver Creek (0214A) - Beaver Creek is located in the eastern portion, while the vated concentrations of organisms that included in the 2008 TWQI 303(d) list for western portion contains some of the larg- deplete more oxygen than normal. The bacteria, most likely caused from nonpoint est ranches in the state, including the W.T. TCEQ is proposing to revise the Aquatic sources, specifically abundant wildlife. Waggoner Estate and Four Sixes Ranch. Life Use for this segment. Over the years oil and gas well activities South Fork Wichita River (0226) - Like have inundated the reach dumping brine most areas in the western part of Reach II, the South Fork of the Wichita River is Red Reach II - 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory plagued by elevated chloride levels, which Segment Water body 303(d) List Concerns for the most part are naturally occurring. Low Dissolved 0211 Little Wichita River Chlorophyll-a The concern for ammonia is likely attrib- Oxygen uted to agricultural activities and wildlife, Total Phosphorus, 0212 Lake Arrowhead since the river is utilized as a local water Orthophosphorus source for animals. Bacteria, Chlorophyll-a, Wichita River Below 0214 Bacteria Nitrate, Orthophosphorus, Goals - Agriculture activities are poten- Lake Diversion Dam Total Phosphorus tially a major source of several of the Chlorophyll-a, Low problems water bodies in the reach are ex- 0214A Beaver Creek Bacteria Dissolved Oxygen periencing. More monitoring and the im- 0218 Wichita/North Fork Wichita River *4c - Selenium in Water plementation of Best Management Prac- 0218A Middle Fork Wichita River *4c - Selenium in Water tices through coordinated efforts between Orthophosphorus, land owners and the state will be steps in 0219 Lake Wichita Total Phosphorus, the right direction for improving the water Chlorophyll-a quality within the reach for future use. 0226 South Fork Wichita River Chloride Ammonia *Category 4c - Nonsupport of the water quality standard is not caused by a pollutant.

24 25

AT A GLANCE each III begins in northern Wichita of Vernon, this intermittent creek receives R County and extends westward to- runoff from portions of the city and culti- BUCK CREEK STUDY ward Floyd and Briscoe Counties. It in- vated farm land. Runoff accompanied by

cludes the Red River main stem from the low flow are probable sources of bacteria Buck Creek is a small water body located confluence of Cache Creek upstream to in the creek. in the Red River Basin, specifically in the the confluences of Buck Creek and the Goals - More monitoring data will be sub-watershed of the Lower Prairie Dog Red River. The size of Reach III meas- needed to determine the necessary course Town Fork of the Red River. The state ures about 195 miles long to a maximum of action. In both cases, bacterial loading requires the water within Buck Creek to be of 50 miles wide. This is predominately a from nonpoint sources is likely the pri- suitable for fishing, wading, swimming, rural area comprised of agribusiness, oil mary cause of the observed elevated bacte- and able to promote a healthy aquatic and gas production, and approximately ria levels. Increased monitoring and data ecosystem. However, monitoring data 2,050 farms covering some 3,000,000 collection will be needed for future pro- have shown that at times, elevated levels acres. of bacteria are present but not characteris- gress to be made. tic of the creek at all times. South Groesbeck Creek (0206B) - An unclassified water body included in the In an effort to identify nonpoint source 2008 TWQI 303(d) list for bacteria, South contributions, Bacterial Source Tracking Groesbeck Creek flows year-round, mak- (BST) was used along with land use, soil, ing it a convenient water source for cattle. flow, and Waste Water Treatment Plant The cattle are a probable source for the (WWTP) permit data to help determine the high bacteria counts observed during origin of the bacteria found in Buck Creek. monitoring events.

Currently, this Buck Creek Study is Paradise Creek (0230A) - Appears on the nearing completion and will provide the 2008 TWQI 303(d) list for bacteria. Flow- means necessary to develop and implement ing in and around the southeastern portion BUCK CREEK at US83 a Watershed Protection Plan in an effort to increase water quality. More information Red Reach III - 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory on this study can be found at Segment Water body 303(d) List Concerns http:// twri.tamu.edu/buckcreek 0205 Red River Below Bacteria, Chlorophyll-a 0206B South Groesbeck Creek Bacteria Bacteria, Nitrate 0230A Paradise Creek Bacteria Chlorophyll-a, Nitrate 26 27 each IV of the Red River Basin is Red Reach IV - 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory r one of the most captivating and sce- Segment Water body 303(d) List Concerns Lower Prairie Dog Chlorophyll-a, nic areas in the state. The landscape 0207 Bacteria changes are surprisingly dramatic, creat- Town Fork Red River Orthophosphorus ing beautiful sights, especially where the 0207A Buck Creek Bacteria Nitrate Chlorophyll-a, Nitrate, Caprock drops off to form the canyons. Upper Prairie Dog 0229 pH Total Phosphorus, Elevations range from 1,300 to more than Town Fork Red River Orthophosphorus 4,200 feet above mean sea level. It begins in Childress County at the Texas- Chlorophyll-a, Nitrate, 0229A Lake Tanglewood Total Phosphorus, Oklahoma state line and continues Orthophosphorus through the Texas Panhandle to Deaf Smith and Parmer Counties at the New wildlife related problems. its removal from the list in the near future. Mexico state line. It encompasses the For more information on this project see Upper Prairie Dog Town Fork Red Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River the “At A Glance” section about the River (0229) - UPDTF is listed for pH on from the confluence of Buck Creek. The Buck Creek Study on page 26. the 2008 TWQI 303(d) list, and also in- Caprock Escarpment intersects the center cluded concerns for several nutrients. The of this mostly rural reach, containing segment is located just below Lake Tan- many farms and ranches. glewood and south of Amarillo, both of Lower Prairie Dog Town Fork Red which are experiencing rapid urbaniza- River (0207) - or LPDTF, appears on the tion. Increased urban run-off and non- 2008 TWQI 303(d) list for bacteria. point source pollution are probable Rangeland grazing and unrestricted access sources. by cattle and wildlife accompanied by Goals - Increased monitoring events and runoff from fertilized fields are the most special studies will be required to provide probable culprits. the information necessary to begin solving Buck Creek (0207A) - Also appearing on the problems the Upper and Lower Prairie the 2008 303(d) list for bacteria, this per- Dog Town Forks of the Red River are ex- ennial stream is located in a rural ranching periencing. Fortunately, an extensive and farming area. Like LPDTF, Buck study of Buck Creek is nearing comple- PDTF RED RIVER at US83 Creek experiences similar agricultural and tion and will likely provide data leading to SALTS COVER THE DRY RIVERBED

28 29

Red Reach V - 2008 Texas Water Quality Inventory AT A GLANCE Segment Water body 303(d) List Concerns 0299A Sweetwater Creek Bacteria CHLORIDE CONTROL

each V of the Red River Basin be- identify specific types of wildlife contrib- PROJECT r gins at the eastern edge of the Pan- uting to the bacterial load in a water body. handle in Hemphill, Wheeler and Swisher It also allows researchers to determine the The Chloride Control Project is an ongoing Counties, and extends westward to Ama- percent of the total load that a particular project by the U.S. Army Corps of rillo for about 100 miles. Its maximum animal accounts for. Increased sampling Engineers to reduce naturally width is approximately 75 miles. The events, data collection, and funding will occurring chloride concentrations along reach contains the North Fork of the Red provide the means necessary for these the Red River in an effort to improve water River upstream to the headwaters of types of studies. quality for municipal, industrial, and McClellan Creek, including the headwaters agricultural operations in Texas, of the Salt Fork of the Red River, Elm Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

Fork of the Red River, and the Washita The Corps continues to implement River. several different measures to reduce brine

Sweetwater Creek (0299A) - Located emissions including low-flow dams, pump from the Oklahoma state line in Wheeler stations, and diversion pipelines to County to the upstream perennial portion impoundment facilities such as the of the stream northwest of Wheeler, this Truscott Brine Disposal Reservoir. unclassified water body appears on the Continued success of the project will 2008 TWQI 303(d) list for bacteria. There ensure water quality improvements, are several potential sources responsible which will be especially important in the for the excessive bacterial loading. At the future as water quantity concerns arise. present time there is not enough data Currently, the Corps is planning available to make any determinations. construction on more facilities early in Goals - More data will need to be col- 2010. For more information visit: lected at the site before TCEQ can take http://www.swt.usace.army.mil/ corrective action. Bacterial Source Track- projects/civil/civil_projects.cfm? ing (BST) is a new method being used to Sweetwater creek at us83 number=86 30 31 Outreach & involvement

BASIN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Red River Valley Water Resource Confer- ing Meetings (CMM). Entities that have The Basin Advisory Committee (BAC), ence can be found at www.rrva.org. been included in these meeting are the also known as the Steering Committee, is TCEQ, USGS, CRMWA, City of EDUCATION the driving force that assists in determin- Sherman, Texas Parks and Wildlife De- An important program sponsored by the ing the water quality priorities of the CRP partment, Texas State Soil and Water Con- Authority is the distribution of the Major in the Canadian and Red River Basins. servation Board, and the U.S. Army Corps Rivers educational program to schools Representatives from the public, munici- of Engineers. Goals of this meeting are to within both basins. Major Rivers is a wa- pal, county, state and federal government, coordinate sites, parameters of concern, ter education curriculum designed by the industry, business, agriculture, fee payers, and data collection frequency. The CMM Texas Water Development Board and the environmental, education, civic organiza- solicits input from all entities involved in Lower Colorado River Authority and tions, and others comprise the membership monitoring in order to create monitoring teaches students about Texas’ major water of the BAC. Annual meetings are held in schedules that reduce duplicative efforts. resources. Since 2004, the Authority has Amarillo and Wichita Falls and are open, This, in turn, maximizes the funds avail- provided this curriculum to over 8,000 stu- friendly, casual, and informative. Indi- able for the program. dents in the Canadian and Red River Ba- viduals interested in attending or partici- sins. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES pating in the BAC can contact the RRA LABORATORY for more information at (940) 723-8697. In 2009, RRA’s Environmental Services The Authority’s laboratory achieved offi- Division assisted in judging entries in the RED RIVER VALLEY WATER cial NELAC certification in 2008. This Red River Regional Science and Engineer- RESOURCE CONFERENCE accreditation insures that all samples ing Fair held at Midwestern State Univer- The Red River Valley Water Resource tested will comply with national standards sity. In addition, presentations were given Conference is hosted by the Authority in of acceptance. NELAC quality assured for Earth Day programs for elementary cooperation with the Red River Valley As- data is used by the TCEQ in developing age students. sociation and comprises representatives and revising water quality standards. The from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and COORDINATION & COOPERATION Authority’s lab participated in an Ex- Louisiana. The focus of the conference is WITH OTHER BASIN ENTITIES tended Holding Time Study for E. coli water quality and quantity issues that af- The Authority coordinates collection and Bacteria in the spring and summer of fect everyone within the Red River Basin, monitoring efforts with other basin entities 2009. At this time results of this study are in all four states. More information on the by holding annual Coordinated Monitor- still pending.

32 recommendations

RECOMMENDATIONS for more reliable data in determining the to abnormal occurrences. The following recommendations are based cause(s) for impairments and concerns. •• Continue research of new and alterna- upon the evaluations presented in this re- •• Support the development of an eco- tive conservation measures, such as land port and the 2009 Basin Summary Report nomical source of bacterial genotyping. management and implement field trials. of the Canadian and Red River Basins. This methodology would greatly aid in Comments received through public partici- •• Continue as the State Sponsor of the identifying bacterial sources on affected pation have also influenced these recom- Red River Chloride Control Project, segments, which in turn would aid in the mendations and conclusions. They are as pressing for the project’s completion resolution of those concerns. follows: and funding so that previously unusable •• Continue to educate the general public water sources can be utilized without • Continue with the successful annual Co- • about water quality, conservation and excessive treatment costs. ordinated Monitoring Meeting to de- protection of our natural resources. Iron Ore Creek at US69 velop strategic monitoring plans for both basins. This reduces duplication of •• Continue to work with the agriculture efforts and ensures the efficient use of and ranching industry and municipal available financial resources and in- entities toward the improvement of wa- creases the number of sites to be moni- ter quality through effective planning tored. In addition, it enables the impair- strategies.

ments and concerns as defined in the •• Continue to encourage the State of Texas Water Quality Inventory to be Oklahoma environmental and water adequately addressed, so that all seg- quality agencies to attend the Coordi- ments and water quality uses can be as- nated Monitoring and Basin Advisory sessed. Committee Meetings in order to further

• Increase the number of monitoring part- a cooperative effort in the improvement ners in order for non-monitored loca- of water quality for both basins.

tions to receive additional coverage, •• Continue to support the installation and thereby increasing the amount of data maintenance of real time monitoring available for future water quality inven- coverage to allow for quicker responses tories. Increased coverage will allow

33 Conclusions

CONCLUSIONS of the Draft 2010 IR. While the additions not only on programs like the CRP, but ac- Continued monitoring efforts over the past may outnumber the total number of impair- tive stakeholder involvement and participa- two years have provided TCEQ with ments and concerns removed in number, it tion. enough data to complete their most recent is important to recognize the hard work, For more information on how you can survey of surface water bodies throughout long hours, and tremendous efforts river make a difference contact: the state of Texas, the Draft 2010 Inte- authorities, TCEQ staff, and stakeholders grated Report (IR). The following charts alike put forth that fosters these successes. www.rra.dst.tx.us

show potential changes, both additions as or Continued success of the reclamation proc- well as removals, pending the Environ- ess leading to the attainable use of Texas www.tceq.com mental Protection Agency's (EPA) approval lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks depends Proposed Changes to Water Quality Issues in the Canadian River Basin Segment ID Water Body Pending Draft 2010 303(d) List Approval by EPA Number Name Impairments Concerns CANADIAN RIVER BASIN REACH I 0101FIX Canadian River Below Lake Meredith Chlorophyll-a 0101A Dixon Creek Selenium Orthophosphorus 0101B Rock Creek Orthophosphorus, Chlorophyll-a CANADIAN RIVER BASIN REACH II 0103A East Amarillo Creek Bacteria 0103C Unnamed Tributary to West Amarillo Creek Chlorophyll-a CANADIAN RIVER BASIN REACH III 0105FIX Rita Blanca Lake Nitrate CANADIAN RIVER BASIN REACH IV 0199A Palo Duro Reservoir Low Dissolved Oxygen Total Phosphorus, Orthophosphorus

PARAMETERS IN RED ARE POSSIBLE ADDITIONS TO IMPAIRMENTS/CONCERNS PREVIOUSLY LISTED IN 2008 PENDING THE EPA’S APPROVAL OF THE Draft 2010 Integrated Report. PARAMETERS IN GREEN ARE POSSIBLE DELETIONS TO IMPAIRMENTS/CONCERNS PREVIOUSLY LISTED IN 2008 PENDING THE EPA’S APPROVAL OF THE Draft 2010 Integrated Report. 34 Proposed Changes to Water Quality Issues in the red River Basin

Segment ID Water Body Pending Draft 2010 303(d) List Approval by EPA Number Name Impairments Concerns RED RIVER BASIN LOWER REACH I 0202A Bois D' Arc Creek Bacteria 0202C Pecan Bayou Chlorophyll-a 0202D Pine Creek Orthophosphorus 0202E Post Oak Creek Chlorophyll-a, Orthophosphorus 0202G Smith Creek Low Dissolved Oxygen 0202I Little Pine Creek Chlorophyll-a, Low Dissolved Oxygen 0209FIX Pat Mayse Lake Chlorophyll-a RED RIVER BASIN UPPER REACH I 0202FFIX Choctaw Creek Bacteria Bacteria, Total Phosphorus 0202K Iron Ore Creek Bacteria Bacteria TDS & Chloride in 0203FIX Lake Texoma Finished Drinking Water 0204FIX Red River Above Lake Texoma Bacteria RED RIVER BASIN REACH II 0211FIX Little Wichita River TDS, Sulfate 0212FIX Lake Arrowhead Total Phosphorus 0214FIX Wichita River Below Lake Diversion Dam Bacteria Total Phosphorus, Nitrate, Ammonia, 0214B Buffalo Creek Bacteria Chlorophyll-a, Orthophosphorus 0214E Wichita Valley Irrigation Project Chlorophyll-a 0219FIX Lake Wichita Orthophosphorus RED RIVER BASIN REACH III 0206B South Groesbeck Creek Chlorophyll-a RED RIVER BASIN REACH IV 0207FIX Lower Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River Bacteria, Orthophosphorus 0207A Buck Creek Bacteria 0229A Lake Tanglewood Ammonia, Low Dissolved Oxygen RED RIVER BASIN REACH V 0222FIX Salt Fork Red River Bacteria PARAMETERS IN RED ARE POSSIBLE ADDITIONS TO IMPAIRMENTS/CONCERNS PREVIOUSLY LISTED IN 2008 PENDING THE EPA’S APPROVAL OF THE Draft 2010 Integrated Report. PARAMETERS IN GREEN ARE POSSIBLE DELETIONS TO IMPAIRMENTS/CONCERNS PREVIOUSLY LISTED IN 2008 PENDING THE EPA’S APPROVAL OF THE Draft 2010 Integrated Report. 35

FOR MORE INFORMATION RRA maintains a commitment to provide up-to-date scientifically correct information on the Authority’s website at www.rra.dst.tx.us. The website provides information covering all aspects of Authority operations. An entire section of the website, accessible via the Water Resource Management tab, is devoted to the Texas Clean Rivers Program. This section provides quick and easy access to all publications, data and information relating to the Authority’s participation in the project.

RED RIVER AUTHORITY OF TEXAS PO BOX 240 WICHITA FALLS, TX 76307-0240 PHONE (940) 723-8697 Canadian basin BIG BLUE at FM 1931