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The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department has identified the Tannehill Branch Creek Watershed as a priority for water quality improvements such as removal of pollution, improving stream flow and creating a natural habitat along the creek.

Tannehill Branch Creek experiences a number of water quality issues. These range from high nutrient levels in the water to a lack of plant and wildlife habitat near creek banks, contributing to problems like erosion and unwanted algae growth.  

Project Overview

The project aims to address water quality issues and to enhance the riparian health of the creek. This project will focus on two specific areas: Bartholomew Park and Morris Williams Golf Course. Both of these locations currently have existing stormwater control facilities, and the plans call for the following retrofits and improvements: 

  • Modify the existing flood detention pond at Bartholomew Park to include a permanent wet pond
  • Improve the existing wet pond and construct a second wet pond at Morris Williams Golf Course
  • Create a constructed wetland at Morris Williams Golf Course
  • Enhance natural habitat along Tannehill Branch Creek
  • Support existing recreational uses within parkland along Tannehill Branch Creek
  • Upgraded wastewater lines along Tannehill near Morris Williams Golf Course as part of a partnership with Austin Water
  • A new Safe Routes to School trail through Bartholomew Park.

Project Objectives

  • Remove nutrients and improve wildlife habitat near creeks
  • Increase amount of rain water soaking into the ground (infiltration)
  • Increase the amount of normal flow through the creek (baseflow)
  • Facilities/Recreational Upgrades consistent with PARD Vision Plan for Bartholomew Park
  • Stream channel stabilization (Morris Williams) 

Timeline

Our capital improvement projects take many years from start to finish. The process typically includes the following phases:

  • Preliminary Engineering – when a solution is identified and costs are estimated.
  • Design – when the details are worked out and construction plans drawn up.
  • Bidding and Permitting – when a contractor is hired and all permits are acquired.
  • Construction – when the project is built.

Preliminary Engineering was completed in 2021, Design is estimated to be completed in 2025, and Construction is estimated to begin in 2026 -2027. 

March 8th, 2025 Community Meeting

TANNEHILL BRANCH CREEK WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS 03082025.PDF (33.7 MB)

Project Contacts

Project Manager

  • Minda Sarmiento, P.E., Public Works Department, (512) 974-5645

Project Sponsors

  • Lee Sherman, P.E., Watershed Protection Department, (512) 974-6555
  • Clayton West, Watershed Protection Department, (512) 974-9792

Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Project: Upper Tannehill Stormwater Improvements and Wastewater Interceptor - Bartholomew Park and Morris Williams Golf Course (eCapris ID 5282.134 & 5282.043)

There is a lot of trash in the creek! Can the City come remove it?

Please call 311 or use the Austin 3-1-1 app to report trash in creeks, especially specific locations with significant trash accumulations. Generally, there is not much WPD can do to prevent trash from entering the creek along its length. The Trash in Creeks study showed that the sources of trash in our waterways is complex and is a result of the entire community - there is no one source primarily to blame. 

There are dead trees in the park! Can the City come and remove them?

Yes, Please call 311 or use the Austin 3-1-1 app to report dead trees in parks. 

How will the water quality improvement project benefit Bartholomew Park?

The proposed impoundment structure will create a permanent pool in the creek, which will be an amenity attracting wildlife, enhancing riparian health, and providing a local cooling refuge during extreme heat events. The impoudment structure will also cause more frequent floodplain inundation, which will benefit the native vegetation and improve drought resilience for newly planted trees as well as existing trees. Beyond the impoundment structure, the project will build a new creek crossing as well as a Safe Routes to School trail which will benefit mobility and accessibility in the park. 

How is the City going to maintain the proposed new facilities?

Maintenance access pathways will be constructed as part of the project, which will allow City crews to easily access the impoundment structure and the sediment deposition area with heavy equipment. The new maintenance access pathways will also facilitate easier access to the creek to perform trash removal.

When is construction going to start?

Construction funding has not yet been secured for this project. If funding can be secured, construction could begin as early as summer/fall 2026.