Bessie’s Creek, a tributary of the Brazos River, span parts of Fort Bend County, Waller County, and Brazos County to the west of Houston. View the Watershed Map.
Elevated levels of phosphorus and nitrate in the water of Bessie’s Creek are contributing to overgrowth of algae and depressed levels of dissolved oxygen, which are very detrimental to aquatic life.
To address these problems, a focused study is underway that will lead to the creation of a formal Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan. Participation by community stakeholders is key to development of the Implementation Plan, and paddlers can lend a unique perspective. So, this is a good opportunity for us to speak up for water quality. Thanks to our own John Rich, who is already taking part!
You can learn more about Bessie’s Creek and the TMDL project HERE.