Sediment is collected from the substrate at the bottom of the lake near the downstream dam on each lake
Habitat data are collected at 10 evenly spaced sites throughout the lake
Benthic macroinvertebrates (Aquatic Life score) are collected in shallow water at 3,5, and 6 of the 10 habitat sites on Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, and Lake Long respectively.
Vegetation scores are based on TPWD surveys that map all the aquatic plants in each lake
Water quality and phytoplankton (Eutrophication score) samples are collected at the surface and bottom at 3 sites on each lake:
Lady Bird Lake
Near Longhorn Dam in the Basin
Downstream of 1st Street Downstream of Redbud Isle