Free Homeowner Maintenance of Septic Systems Workshop
Download the Draft of Plum Creek Watershed Protection Plan (Updated 8/7/2008)
The Plum Creek Watershed Partnership (PCWP) is developing a Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) and promoting a sustainable, proactive approach to improving water quality at the local level. The PCWP consists of a steering committee consisting of local stakeholders, a technical advisory group consisting of local, state and federal agencies, and five work groups composed of steering committee members, agency personnel and other interested citizens. The PCWP has assessed the water quality issues in the watershed, determined needed pollutant load reductions, and is in the process of wrapping up the development of the Draft WPP. The watershed protection plan process has led to implementation strategies that will include the necessary education and awareness campaigns, best management practices, and other measures to be implemented to improve and protect the water quality in Plum Creek. Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and Texas AgriLife Extension Service have partnered to facilitate plan development and education and awareness, along with the TSSWCB Wharton Regional Office- Watershed Coordination Steering Committee.
Plum Creek rises in Hays County north of Kyle and runs south through Caldwell County, passing Lockhart and Luling, and eventually joins the San Marcos River at their confluence at the Caldwell-Gonzales County line. The main stem of Plum Creek is a 52 river mile segment with a drainage area of approximately 397 square miles. Major tributaries to Plum Creek in the watershed include: Brushy Creek, Clear Fork of Plum Creek, West Fork of Plum Creek, Elm Creek, Dry Creek, Porter Creek, Tenney Creek and Salt Branch.
According to the Draft 2006 Texas Water Quality Inventory and 303(d) List, Plum Creek (Segment 1810) exhibits elevated nutrient levels and is impaired by elevated bacteria concentrations for contact recreation uses. These water quality issues, in conjunction with land use across the watershed, increasing urban development, oil and gas production and potential for agricultural nonpoint source pollution, were considered when Plum Creek was selected for the WPP process.
