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The Guadalupe River is one of the highest rated recreational and scenic rivers in Texas and is Kerr County’s central asset. The river provides water to the citizens for domestic, agricultural, municipal and recreational purposes. Therefore, maintaining high water quality is essential. Water quality is determined by the amount of contaminants in the water. As contaminant levels increase, water quality decreases. There are many types of potential contaminants originating from many sources. The objective of this study was to determine the level of one specific contaminant, E. coli.
E. coli bacteria is commonly used when monitoring water quality because it is an indicator for water contamination. E. coli originates in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and the presence of E. coli indicates that warm-blooded animal feces have reached the water and that other pathogens may be present. Sources of E. coli can include inadequately treated sewage, livestock, pets, birds, and mammals.
Each summer, the Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA) tests E. coli levels at
twenty-one popular swimming holes throughout Kerr County. The results of this swimability study are compared to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) standards for contact recreation. For a single grab sample, TCEQ considers E. coli levels less than 394 colonies of bacteria per 100 milliliters to be low risk. If E. coli levels are greater than 394 colonies of bacteria per 100 milliliters then there is a higher risk of contracting a water borne illness while swimming.
In 2004, UGRA began the Volunteer Summer Study Program to supplement data collected during the swimability study and to include interested members of the community in water quality testing. The information collected by the volunteers also helps identify areas in need of further investigation.
During the summer of 2011 we were assisted by 25 volunteers who collected 282 samples at 30 locations throughout Kerr County. The UGRA commends the efforts of these volunteers for taking an active role in protecting the water quality of our river. Working together, we can maintain the pristine nature of the Guadalupe River and protect our community’s most valuable natural resource.
Click here
to view the 2011 Volunteer Summer Study Report.
If you would like to be a Summer Study Volunteer, please contact Tara Bushnoe, Natural Resources Coordinator at (830) 896-5445 or tbushnoe@ugra.org