Middle Yegua Creek Watershed Protection Plan Moves Forward
We’re excited to share some important progress in local water conservation and protection. The Middle Yegua Creek Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) has been officially accepted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as of February 2025. This is a major milestone in efforts to improve water quality across portions of Lee, Bastrop, Milam, and Williamson Counties.
Middle Yegua Creek, a key tributary flowing toward Lake Somerville, has long faced challenges with elevated levels of E. coli bacteria, along with concerns about low dissolved oxygen and degraded aquatic habitats. These issues affect not only the health of our water ecosystems, but also the safety of recreational use and overall water quality for our communities.
The Watershed Protection Plan (WWP) is a result of years of collaboration between the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI), the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB), and local stakeholders—including landowners, community members, local officials, and even the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District (LPGCD). The plan identifies pollutant sources such as livestock, septic systems, feral hogs, pet waste, and illegal dumping, and it outlines realistic and science-based strategies for reducing pollution and improving stream health.
The WWP includes various key action areas outlined below.
- Voluntary Conservation Plans for Landowners: Tailored water quality management plans to support better grazing practices and land stewardship.
- Soil Testing: Promoting soil sampling to prevent over-fertilization and nutrient runoff.
- Feral Hog Control: Coordinating removal efforts and educational workshops.
- On-site Septic System Improvements: Replacing or repairing failing systems near creeks.
- Educational Workshops: Especially for new or small landowners to understand best practices.
- Monitoring & Outreach: Volunteer water monitoring and public awareness campaigns to track progress and inform the community.
Working groups and public meetings have been, and will continue to be, central to this effort. Residents are encouraged to join these meetings to provide input, learn about local water conditions, and shape the future of the watershed. The goal is to maintain transparency, integrate local knowledge, and foster a shared sense of responsibility for our water resources.
The next Middle Yegua Creek WPP meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 22nd at 5:30 PM in Giddings, TX. RSVP by July 17th to sarah.stannard@ag.tamu.edu. At this meeting we will discuss all things PFAS with our special guest speaker, Dr. Yina Liu. Dr. Liu is an assistant professor of Oceanography at Texas A&M University.
With the WPP now officially recognized by the EPA, our region is eligible for federal funding to help implement these water quality improvements. Local partners will begin prioritizing projects, seeking grants, and working with residents to bring the plan to life.
To get involved or to learn more, visit:
Together, we can protect the Middle Yegua Creek and keep our water clean and healthy for generations to come.