In the Seco Creek Project, TAEX specialists are assessing the impact of agricultural and brush control activities on the water quality in the Edwards Aquifer and nearby streams. The dairies confine large numbers of cows to small areas, and it's estimated that as much as 35 million pounds of manure is generated each week in Erath County. Because the TWC has a no discharge policy for dairy wastes, manure and effluents are collected and disposed of on lands where grasses and forage crops are grown. Heavy rains can flush nitrogen, bacteria, and other pollutants into streams that feed the Upper North Bosque River. Pollutants can also be leached from manure holding ponds and fields into porous aquifers.
Activities are now under way to improve water quality in the area.
Technologies and BMPs that could lessen the risk of nonpoint source pollution are being developed. TAEX specialists are selecting BMPs that will reduce runoff from dairies, malfunctioning septic tanks, and runoff and infiltration of agricultural chemicals. Wolfe is also working on two other nonpoint source pollution projects. The study is cosponsored by TWRI and the City of Austin. Planting dense vegetation near waterways can improve water quality by settling out pollutantsto before reaching streams.