Water quality is the one blemish on the face of Buffalo Bayou. The storm drains throughout urban Houston drain directly into the bayou carrying litter, oil, fertilizers, toxic chemicals, and other non-point source pollutants that come directly from our manicured lawns, little-league fields, and golf courses. Unfortunately, Buffalo Bayou and White Oak currently have the worst water quality of any stream or river in Texas. Most pernicious are the sub-normal levels of E.Coli bacteria. Of course, the Art Guys drank the water and lived to tell about it!

To attract more and more of the native species which once called the bayou’s riparian areas and waters home, we need to improve the water quality. In February 2004, the BBP entered into a long term partnership with the University of St. Thomas (UST) Urban Ecology Department began a water quality study of the Buffalo Bayou to measure numerous parameters at outfalls between Shepherd Drive and the Buffalo Bayou/ White Oak Bayou Convergence. Results of the study will be available in February 2005 upon the completion of the one-year study.

Unfortunately, the BBP’s jurisdiction is only a 10-square mile area between Shepherd and the turning basin. Water quality is an issue we must address on a watershed level. Cities, counties, residents, businesses, pet owners, gardeners, schools and travelers all effect the bayou’s waters and the solution must come from everyone.

Buffalo and Whiteoak Bayous: A TMDL Project for Bacteria

New Updates on Water Quality Progress (July, 2006)