Irrigation of crops along the river is extensive. A concern is identified for phosphorus. Total dissolved solids are identified as a possible concern. This segment is not designated for contact recreation use. This area is characterized by desert mountains and sparse vegetation and includes some irrigated farmland.
Concerns identified are for nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorides, sulfates, and total dissolved solids.
This segment of the river forms the southern boundary of Big Bend National Park. The principal land use in the segment, in addition to the protected areas, is rangeland with some irrigated farmland. A concern identified in the analyses is for phosphorus. The watershed in Texas that drains to this segment can be characterized as semi-arid and sparsely populated. The major land use in the watershed is rangeland, and most income is from sheep, goat, and cattle production.