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
LCRA adopted the revised Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance in February 2006 to incorporate current science, technology and regulatory best practices.
Stormwater credits - Learn how developers, builders and homeowners can help maintain the region's water quality through the use of this stormwater credit program — the only one of its kind in Texas.
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.
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.
