Watershed Moment

While driving around Austin, ever notice the signs “Now Entering the Bull Creek Watershed”…ok, whatever, I’m near a creek? What significance does this have to me?

Individuals play a large role in the quality of our creeks. A watershed is the area of land that surrounds the creek. Every time it rains (though becoming a rare event!), water picks up trash, sediment, lawn chemicals, and anything else that can dissolve or float in water and carries it to the nearest creek (the lowest point on the land).

Knowing your watershed and nearest creek can help you understand and protect that creek.

Finding your watershed is one click away!
www.austintexas.gov/GIS/FindYourWatershed/

What's your creek score?

Type in your address and click “Find Watershed”.

After the map loads, click on your watershed name and learn more about the water quality in your creek.

Did your creek score lower than you predicted? Here are
10 things you can do to help protect your creek:

1. Report pollution and spills to our Pollution Hotline   512-974-2550
2. Limit use of Pesticides and Fertilizers
3. Conserve and Use Water Wisely
4. Grow Green! Use Native Vegetation and Reduce Turf Grass
5. Keep Water on the Land – Make a Rain Garden
6. Scoop the Poop
7. Recycle and Dispose of Household Chemicals Properly
8. Volunteer
   • Mark Storm Drains
   • Host or Join a cleanup
   • Adopt-a-Creek
   • Help with rain gardens and grow zone restoration
9. Learn More
10. Take the Green City Challenge