The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality accepted the Rowlett Creek Watershed Protection Plan on Aug. 24. This approval allows local and regional partners to begin executing the recommendations designed to improve water quality in the creek, which flows through Plano and other North Texas communities before reaching Lake Ray Hubbard.
According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the waterway has not met state standards for water quality since 2014 due to high concentrations of E. coli bacteria. The agency also noted concerns regarding elevated nitrate levels. The watershed covers urbanized areas in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Murphy, and Garland.
Extensive monitoring and modeling efforts identified specific sources of pollution, including urban stormwater runoff and animal waste. The analysis estimates that roughly 135,000 dogs reside within the watershed, making them the largest quantified potential source of E. coli. Feral cats were identified as the next largest contributor. Consequently, the plan includes strategies for responsible pet-waste disposal.
Additional recommendations focus on reducing pollutants in stormwater, promoting proper lawn care, and addressing illegal dumping and litter. The plan also supports flood management and ongoing water quality monitoring. Fouad Jaber, a Texas A&M AgriLife professor and extension specialist, stated that the acceptance of the plan is a significant step toward better water quality.
He noted that the document reflects years of data analysis and collaboration among cities, counties, agencies, and residents.
