LCRA - Energy • Water • Community Services
 
Watershed management ordinance

Pollution found in stormwater runoff is people pollution. Stormwater runoff carries pollution — pesticides, soil, nutrients, toxics and other residues from everyday human activities. As steward of the Highland Lakes and the lower Colorado River, LCRA actively manages stormwater runoff around the Highland Lakes.

Follow the links below for resources and to learn more:

Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance
In response to the impact of stormwater pollution, LCRA implemented the Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance (HLWO) to protect water quality throughout the Highland Lakes region. Development within the Ordinance area is required to protect water quality and creek erosion by providing:

  • stormwater runoff volume in approved water quality management facilities (vegetated filter strips and/or water quality basins);
  • Buffer zones that remain free of development;
  • Installation of temporary erosion and sediment controls;
  • Achievement of final stabilization to minimize sediment migration; from the site.

LCRA, through local partnerships with nurseries and gardening clubs, provides water quality education material to residents and commercial businesses. These materials strive to promote use of native and adapted plants while minimizing the need for the use of chemicals on landscape which may have a negative impact on water quality.

New quarries and mines are also covered under the HLWO and must implement measures similar to other development.

Dredge and fill activities standards are included in the Ordinance. Typical activities that fall under this portion of the Ordinance include:

  • Shoreline stabilization;
  • Retaining walls; and
  • Removal of sediment from lakebeds

Ordinance Documents

Erosion and Sediment Control Guidance

Additional Resources

Additional Links

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DID YOU KNOW?

Stormwater runoff is considered the largest source of pollution in the Highland Lakes. This is not surprising, since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that pollution in stormwater runoff accounts for more than 98 percent of the fecal and total coliform bacteria, 90 percent of the sediment, 80 percent of the nitrogen, and more than half of the phosphorus entering the nations rivers and streams.

impacts of stormwater runoff

The impacts of stormwater runoff can be widespread and severe, including:

  • Siltation of creeks and reservoirs.
  • Reduced fish and wildlife habitat.
  • Increased growth of aquatic weeds.
  • Algal blooms and fish kills.
  • Reduced recreational opportunities because of bacterial contamination and increased turbidity.
  • Contamination of food and water sources.
Benefits of managing pollution

Management of pollution caused in stormwater runoff is far less expensive than correcting it after it has occurred. The benefits of managing stormwater runoff pollution include:

  • Expanded recreational and tourism opportunities — and economic growth.
  • Increased property values and tax base along the river, lakes and tributaries.
  • Increased productivity of range and farmland, as well as aquatic ecosystems.
  • Reduced water treatment costs.
  • Preservation of diverse wildlife habitat.
  • Prolonged viability of water storage reservoirs.
more information

For more information: Read frequently asked questions. You can also contact LCRA.
— Updated on October 25, 2011 at 10:22 AM —

 
 
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