A study from the University of Texas indicates a higher concentration of microplastics at the mouths of Austin’s major urban tributaries, like Shoal and Waller creeks. The majority of particles found in samples had tire and road origins, compared to lower numbers of plastic fibers or fragments broken off of other plastic products. Last week, […]
Watershed Protection Department
The city’s Watershed Protection Department works to reduce the impact of floods, erosion and water pollution in the city. The department is mostly funded by the city’s drainage fee.
Posted inEnvironment
City releases ‘State of the Environment’ report
The City of Austin released its annual State of the Environment Report on Earth Day, providing an update on Austin’s air and water quality, urban forest, parkland, and climate resilience in 2024. The city’s environmental officer is tasked with compiling this report every year, and it is published through the Watershed Protection Department. “For the […]
Posted inEnvironment
Rite of spring: Dog-killing algae makes an early appearance in Austin waterways
Scientists with Austin’s Watershed Protection Department have spotted clumps of blue-green algae near Red Bud Isle on Lady Bird Lake. This year marks one of the earliest seasonal reports of the algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which can be toxic to animals and humans. Since it was first detected in the region in 2019, cyanobacteria […]
Posted inEnvironment
Watershed report focuses on projects to prevent and prepare for floods
The Watershed Protection Department has released its 2024 annual report, highlighting a lengthy list of achievements in flood prevention, future flood preparedness and erosion control projects in several corners of the city. The department credits these efforts for Austin’s improved ranking in FEMA’s Community Rating System, increasing discounts by up to 25 percent for residents […]
Posted inEnvironment
Environmental Commission hears briefing on 2026 bond election
The Watershed Protection Department would need an estimated $2 billion to solve the city’s most severe watershed problems and other critical needs. A bond package expected to go before voters in 2026 would cover a portion of those costs, if approved. While the work of the 22-member Bond Election Advisory Task Force is still in […]
Posted inEnvironment
Planning Commission endorses, amends updated erosion protections
The Planning Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 25 to recommend, with amendments, an ordinance proposed by the Watershed Protection Department to add new erosion protections to a section of the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam. The Austin Monitor has previously reported on the ordinance, which would increase the reach of an existing erosion hazard zone, […]
Posted inEnvironment
Updates to erosion protections coming to Council
During the inaugural meeting of City Council’s newly formed Climate, Water, Environment, and Parks Committee on Feb. 26, members heard a briefing on a proposed ordinance from the Watershed Protection Department (WPD) to increase erosion protections along the Colorado River. The Austin-area segment of the river crosses several jurisdictional boundaries, including the Travis County line, […]
Posted inDevelopment
Palm Park improvements are among the next steps for Waterloo Greenway project
A recent city memo and presentation to the Downtown Commission last week offer some up-close looks at the progress and next steps for the Waterloo Greenway project that is making major improvements along Waller Creek’s route through downtown. The memo from Jorge Morales, director of the Watershed Protection Department, and the presentation from the Waterloo […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Austin Watershed Protection Department proposes code updates to further protect the Colorado River
The Austin Watershed Protection Department held a public meeting on Monday, Oct. 28, at the Montopolis Recreation and Community Center to discuss proposed code updates regarding the Colorado River. In 2022, City Council passed a resolution directing the city manager to “address the equitable protection of the environment throughout the City of Austin as part […]
Posted inParks
City-owned land will be repurposed to add 5 new parks in Austin
Five new parks are joining Austin’s parks system, adding much needed green spaces to areas considered to be “park deficient.” Austin’s Watershed Protection Department has over the years acquired land for things like protecting the environment and managing floodwater. These properties are open green spaces, but because they’re not designated as parkland the city can’t […]
Posted inEnvironment
Texas fatmucket mussel conservation provides significant value in regional water filtration efforts
At its regular meeting Sept. 18, the Environmental Commission heard updates on Austin’s freshwater mussel population from Matt Johnson, Texas freshwater mussel conservation and recovery coordinator with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bianca Perez, an environmental scientist with the Watershed Protection Department. Of significant conservation interest was the Texas fatmucket mussel species. Texas […]
Posted inParks
After leak repairs, Barton Springs reopens weeks earlier than expected
In a piece of good news – especially as recent sweltering temperatures have confirmed that summer doesn’t end till late September – Barton Springs is set to reopen today, on a Thursday, no less. During weekly pool maintenance Aug. 29, Parks and Recreation Department staff discovered leaks – caused by a hole that had grown […]