As the lead surface water steward for the Upper Guadalupe River (Segment 1806), the Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA) applied for and received funding through the Clean Water Act §319(h) program administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to implement management measures outlined in the Implementation Plan for One Total Maximum Daily Load for Bacteria in Guadalupe River Above Canyon Lake (Segment 1806). The goal of this Bacteria Reduction Plan is to put best management practices (BMPs) in place to reduce bacteria loading in the impaired reaches of the Upper Guadalupe River.
Sources of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in this watershed have been identified as birds nesting on bridges, large flocks of domestic waterfowl congregating in the lakes, septic systems, pet waste, and pollution from general urban runoff.
A community approach was taken to develop and implement the best management practices through the partnership of UGRA with the City of Kerrville, Kerr County, and the Texas Department of Transportation.