Austin, TX — August marks National Water Quality Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of maintaining clean and healthy waterways. This month, the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department invites you to explore how our work helps preserve the quality of Austin’s creeks, river, and springs.

Monitoring Our Waterways 
We regularly monitor and track the water quality of our creeks. One key measure is the Environmental Integrity Index, which evaluates the chemical, physical, and biological health of Austin’s creeks. We're currently updating this index to better understand our watersheds and predict impacts on aquatic ecosystems across the city. As part of this effort, we're installing 9 new stormwater gauging stations that will continuously monitor water flow, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and clarity, as well as collect sediment and nutrient samples during storms. Find out how Austin’s waterways are faring in the State of Our Environment Report, or check the status of a specific creek at ATXwatersheds.com/FindYourWatershed.

Combating Pollution 
We remove over 3 million gallons of pollution each year by responding to spills entering our storm drains or creeks. When you see a spill, report it to Austin 3-1-1 as soon as possible so we can identify the source and respond quickly. We've studied 110 miles of creek to understand how trash ends up in our waterways and deploy a crew year-round to remove debris from Lady Bird Lake. Through partnerships, we also assist with volunteer cleanups, removing approximately 35-40 tons of trash from Lady Bird Lake annually.

Promoting Environmental Stewardship 
Protecting water quality is a community effort. As you enjoy Austin’s outdoor spaces, remember to Scoop the Poop and clean up after pets to prevent harmful bacteria from entering our waterways. While you’re out exploring, keep an eye out for our Grow Zone signs along trails, indicating areas designated to improve water quality, lessen erosion, and increase wildlife habitat. You might even spot one of our new wet pond signs, which explain how these ponds capture stormwater runoff and reduce pollutants. Beyond the trails, our Grow Green gardening program offers resources on sustainable landscaping to keep our water clean. And when it rains, we provide guidance on rainwater harvesting and green stormwater infrastructure, such as rain gardens and cisterns, to help manage and filter rainwater before it reaches our waterways.

Ongoing Projects and Initiatives 
At any given time, we are working on numerous projects, from streambank stabilization and restoration to stormwater control measures that improve water quality in our creeks and lakes. Our Environmental Policy and Review team simultaneously ensures development complies with environmental standards to safeguard water quality.

How Can You Help? 
Get involved and discover how to make a difference in protecting our water quality.

• Scoop the Poop: Properly dispose of pet waste to prevent it from contaminating our waterways.
• See a spill, know the drill: Report a spill or pollution entering Austin's storm drains or waterways to Austin 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000
• Grow Green: Plant native vegetation and capture rainwater to help reduce runoff and erosion. Visit RainCatcherAustin.org to see if you're eligible for discounts and guidance on incorporating rain catchers into your landscape.
• Volunteer: Participate in cleanups and other environmental activities while practicing Leave No Trace principles.
• Mark or Adopt a Storm Drain: Help prevent dumping in storm drains and raise awareness about their connection to our waterways.

Throughout August, we will be sharing #WaterQualityMonth posts on social media to educate and inspire action. Follow us on Facebook and X, and visit AustinTexas.gov/Watershed to learn more about how we can work together to preserve Austin’s water quality.

About Watershed Protection 
The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department protects lives, property, and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Visit AustinTexas.gov/Watershed to learn more.