Water
 
spacer
State of the river
Water Quality Index
Track the river basin's water quality each month

April water quality conditions continue to be varied throughout the basin
Water quality conditions for the lower Colorado River, its tributary streams and the Highland Lakes were varied during the month of April.

Upstream of Austin: For the most part, dry weather conditions west of Austin allowed all locations to retain excellent water quality ratings. All measurements taken during April were within optimal ranges established for this time of the year (Note; samples were collected prior to thunderstorms that moved through the areas the last weekend of the month). All bacteria samples were less than the State’s standard for contact recreation and therefore were not a concern. Dissolved oxygen levels were high due to cooler water temperatures. Water temperatures ranged from 62º F to 72º F.

Downstream of Austin: Downstream of Austin, five of seven locations were rated “good” as nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) levels were elevated due to the City of Austin’s wastewater discharges. Excessive nutrients can promote the growth of over-abundant plants and algae. Two downstream locations, the Colorado River at Bastrop and Smithville, had extremely elevated nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) readings that accounted for the fair ratings this month. Nutrient concentrations decreased further downstream due to dilution and uptake by aquatic plants. All bacteria samples were less than the State’s standard for contact recreation and therefore were not a concern. Water temperatures for the river below Austin ranged from 61º F to 76º F, along an upstream to downstream gradient.

Water temperatures: Averaged near 71°F during the month (13 degrees warmer than March) and all bacteria samples were less than the state’s criteria for contact recreation.   

A new feature is now available through LCRA’s web site. Twice-a-day, automated profiling buoys located on lakes LBJ and Travis take water quality measurements from the surface to the bottom. These measurements (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and specific conductance) are now at http://floodstatus.lcra.org/profile/ 

The San Saba, Llano and Pedernales rivers; lakes Buchanan, LBJ, Marble Falls and Travis; and the Colorado River at Austin had excellent water quality. The Colorado River at La Grange, Columbus, Wharton and Bay City rated good.  The Colorado River at Bastrop and Smithville rated fair due to elevated bacteria levels following a localized rainfall runoff event.

 

For information on a specific lake or river, see a link below:

Austin

Bastrop

Bay City

Columbus

La Grange

Lake Buchanan

Lake LBJ

Lake Marble Falls

Lake Travis

Llano River

Pedernales River

San Saba

Smithville

Wharton
 
 

Austin
Rating: Excellent
Water quality measurements were within optimal ranges established for this time of the year. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fish community. Bacteria and nutrient levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation. The water temperature was a chilly 65°F.

back to top

Bastrop
Rating: Fair
Water quality was rated fair as nutrients levels were elevated due to discharges from the City of Austin’s wastewater facilities coupled with low river flow. Dissolved oxygen levels were high enough to support a healthy fish community. Bacteria levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation. The water temperature was 72°F.

back to top

Bay City
Rating: Good
Water quality for the Colorado River at Bay City was rated good. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fishery. Nutrient levels were slightly elevated due wastewater facility discharges and low river flow. Bacteria levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation.  The water temperature was 75°F.

back to top

Columbus
Rating: Good
The Colorado River at Columbus was rated good. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fishery.  Nutrient levels were slightly elevated due wastewater facility discharges and low river flow. Bacteria levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation.  The water temperature was 76°F.

back to top

La Grange
Rating: Good
The Colorado River at La Grange was rated good. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fishery. Nutrient levels were slightly elevated due wastewater facility discharges and low river flow. Nutrient levels were lower than observed upstream due to dilution and uptake by aquatic plants. The water temperature was 75°F.

back to top

Lake Buchanan
Rating: Excellent
Water quality parameters were within optimal ranges for this time of the year. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fish community. Bacteria and nutrient levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation. The water temperature was 62°F and the water clarity was 6 feet.back to top

Lake LBJ
Rating: Excellent
Water quality measurements were all within optimal limits for this time of the year as the winter lake lowering came to an end. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fishery. Bacteria and nutrient levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation.  A substantial amount of “mulch” was observed on the surface following the refill. The water temperature was 69°F and water clarity was 5 feet. 

back to top

Lake Marble Falls
Rating: Excellent
Water quality was rated excellent as readings were within optimal ranges established for this time of the year. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fishery. Bacteria and nutrient levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation. The water temperature was 71°F.

back to top

Lake Travis
Rating: Excellent
Water quality parameters were within optimal ranges for this time of the year. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fish community. Bacteria levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation. The water temperature was 64°F and visibility was over 26 feet at the dam (the third deepest recorded). Several calls concerned with filamentous algae along the shoreline.

back to top

Llano River
Rating: Excellent
Water quality was rated excellent as readings were within optimal ranges established for this time of the year. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fishery. Bacteria and nutrient levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation. The water temperature was 72°F.

back to top

Hammets Crossing on Pedernales River
Hammett's Crossing on the Pedernales River is one of 14 sites monitored each month.

Pedernales River
Rating: Excellent
Water quality was rated excellent as readings were within optimal ranges established for this time of the year. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fishery. Bacteria and nutrient levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation. The water temperature was a brisk 72°F.

back to top

San Saba River at Risien Park
Rating: Excellent
Water quality parameters were within optimal ranges for this time of the year. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fish community. Bacteria and nutrient levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation. The water temperature was 72°F.

back to top

Smithville
Rating: Fair
Water quality was rated fair as nutrients levels were elevated due to discharges from the City of Austin’s wastewater facilities coupled with low river flow. Dissolved oxygen levels were high enough to support a healthy fish community. Bacteria levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation. The water temperature was 73°F.

back to top

Wharton
Rating: Good
Water quality for the Colorado River at Wharton was rated as good. Dissolved oxygen was high enough to support a healthy fishery. Nutrient levels were slightly elevated due wastewater facility discharges and low river flow. Bacteria levels were low and therefore not a concern for contact recreation.  The water temperature was 75°F.

back to top
MORE RESOURCES
READING THE RATINGS

The water quality index is issued monthly by LCRA to characterize the general water quality of the rivers, tributaries and Highland Lakes. The index is based on six parameters: dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, temperature, total dissolved solids, and fecal coliform bacteria.

Here's a primer on what the ratings mean:

  • Excellent: All water quality parameters measured are within optimal ranges. The water quality supports all designated uses and is esthetically pleasing and suitable for swimming.
  • Good: At least four of six parameters are within the acceptable ranges. The water quality supports most designated uses and is esthetically pleasing and suitable for swimming.
  • Fair: Half of the parameters are not within acceptable ranges or bacteria levels exceed state standards. Water quality supports noncontact recreational uses but may not be suitable for swimming.
  • Poor: At least four of the six parameters, including fecal bacteria, are outside acceptable limits. Contact recreation (such as swimming) is not recommended. To date, major flood events have been the primary reason for a poor rating.