Introduction: In 1991 a group representative of the major river basins in Texas gathered in Austin at the Texas Water Commission to address the newly adopted rules under Chapter 320 of the Texas Water Code enacted by the Legislature under Senate Bill 818. While a few were skeptical, most shared the excitement of embarking on a new adventure and pledged to work together to achieve its goals. The Texas Clean Rivers Program was born. Red River Authority of Texas assumed a leadership role in tackling the myriad issues and researching information required to launch this program on a solid foundation. Now, twelve years later, the Authority continues to monitor the Canadian River Basin, to uncover its secrets, analyze samples, and interpret trends in the daily function of its mission – the orderly conservation, reclamation, protection, and development of the water resources for the benefit of the public.

Purpose: The Basin Highlights Report is prepared annually to provide the stakeholders and people of the Canadian River Basin with a concise overview of the water quality conditions and issues throughout the basin. Water quality education is the key function of the report, which was prepared by Red River Authority of Texas (Authority) as part of the requirements of the Clean Rivers Program Contract 582-2-44876.

The Canadian River Basin Highlights Report was prepared in cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and financed through fees collected by TCEQ.

Overall Approach to Water Quality: In an effort to expedite planning, monitoring, geographical analysis, and dissemination of data, the basin is divided into five reaches, then further divided into subwatersheds. A five-year approach was developed to plan for the future and adequately monitor the aquatic health of the basin. To achieve the goals of the five-year plan, the Authority has coordinated collection and monitoring efforts with other entities, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and Canadian River Municipal Water Authority (CRMWA).

The Two Major Water Issues Within the Canadian River Basin: The two major issues that continue to plague water conditions within the Canadian River Basin are the ongoing drought and excessive salinity levels in the Canadian River. Obviously there is no quick fix for either issue, but the Authority and people within the Canadian River Basin persistently work toward managing these ongoing problems.

DROUGHT: Although Texas experienced devastating drought conditions from 1995 through 1996 statewide, the Panhandle area of Texas is still struggling, and has not recovered. As of February 2003 Lake Meredith was only at 58% of its capacity. That level is uncomfortably lower than normal for this time of the year. Thus far, spring showers have been negligible, which will ultimately worsen the drought conditions. Precautions have already begun in some areas in order to maintain a sufficient supply of good quality water to serve the needs of the people within the Canadian River Basin.

Table 1 – Major Reservoirs Total Capacity versus Current Capacity Percentage
Reservoir	County	Capacity Acre/Feet	Capacity Percentage
Lake Meredith	Potter, Moore, Hutchinson	500,000	38%
Palo Duro Reservoir	Hansford	60,900	5%

As depicted in Table 1, Lake Meredith and the Palo Duro Reservoir are both well below capacity. Lake Meredith held 248,600 acre feet (ac/ft) of water in February 2002 in comparison to 190,940 ac/ft in February 2003, which is a -12% drop, or -57,660 ac/ft. Likewise, Palo Duro Reservoir had 3,260 ac/ft of water as compared to 5,560 ac/ft the previous year, which is a -4% decrease or -2,300 ac/ft during the same period. Correspondingly, only trace amounts of rain fell in these areas, which will significantly impact the availability of municipal water supplies in the upcoming months.

Average annual rainfall for the Amarillo area is 19.51". Table 2 depicts the rainfall received in the previous three years and indicates that the area is 2.53" below normal for the period. Although this amount may not seem adverse, in an area that does not receive much rainfall, any loss is significant.

Table 2 – Rainfall Amounts – Amarillo
	2002	2001	2000		2002	2001	2000
January	1.17	1.67	0.24	July	1.66	0.04	0.16
February	0.19	0.93	0.04	August	3.83	1.39	0.29
March	1.11	3.96	4.14	September	1.64	3.03	0.03
April	2.24	0.49	0.43	October	3.35	0.05	3.95
May	1.05	3.05	1.14	November	0.04	1.86	0.96
June	1.54	1.99	5.54	December	1.10	0.23	1.47
Annual Rainfall Totals					18.92	18.69	18.39

The graph below depicts the levels of Lake Meredith during the period of 1991 through 2002. As evidenced by the graph, the capacity has dropped significantly since 2001. Completed in 1965, the lake serves as a municipal water supply to eleven West Texas cities: Amarillo, Borger, Brownfield, Lamesa, Levelland, Lubbock, O’Donnell, Pampa, Plainview, Slaton, and Tahoka.

The Palo Duro Reservoir, located in Hansford County, was completed in 1991 by impounding the waters of Palo Duro Creek. As depicted in the graph to the right, the reservoir has reached capacities within the range of 50% to 60% during 1999, but has fallen drastically due to the lack of rainfall and high evaporation rates.

Until sufficient rainfall occurs to bring these two major reservoirs up to capacity, conservation practices will remain in effect.

Fortunately, most of the counties within the Canadian River Basin are heavily underlain by the vast Ogallala Aquifer. However, there are a few areas within Hemphill, Hutchinson, Moore, and Hartley Counties where it is not as abundant. Considerably larger areas in Oldham and Potter Counties, especially where the Canadian River has eroded through the formation, are less accessible to the Ogallala. The ground water availability alleviates much of the demand for surface water; approximately 95% is used for irrigation. An observation well located in southwest Castro County south of the basin provides information concerning the depth of the Ogallala Aquifer on a monthly basis. In February 2003, it recorded 257.65' below land surface, which is 2.71' below last year’s measurement, and 101.65' below the initial measurement recorded in 1968.

The westernmost counties of the Panhandle are also underlain by outcrops and downdips of the Dockum Aquifer, which is considered to be a minor aquifer. It underlies the Ogallala Aquifer and varies significantly in both yield and quality.

Summarily, surface water and ground water levels in the Panhandle indicate the continued need to conserve the water that is available, while persistently maintaining and improving the water quality for all people.

SALT:Elevated levels of chloride in the Canadian River Basin originate from an underlying shallow brine aquifer near Logan, New Mexico. This aquifer is under artesian pressure and contains water almost as salty as seawater. This brine is leaking upwards to the Canadian River.

The Lake Meredith Salinity Control Project is designed to intercept the flow with wells drilled along the river, and then dispose the brine by deep well injection or other means. This project would decrease the undesirable elevated concentrations of chloride in Lake Meredith, which is the primary surface water supply for the Texas Panhandle. The effectiveness of the Salinity Control Project is a means of reclaiming full benefit of the resource. Treated discharges are monitored closely to ensure the impact to receiving waters is compatible with the ecosystem and maintains balance with natural habitats.

While regional activities impact the local watersheds, site specific problems are intensified by the larger scale influences of naturally occurring and anthropogenic pollution to receiving waters. Watershed runoffs from urban and agricultural activities are also major contributors of pollution and effective control programs are being implemented to reduce adverse impacts resulting from agricultural and livestock practices.

The collection, management, and analysis of sufficient water quality data are key elements in determining reasonable scientific solutions to maintaining and improving the quality and availability of natural resources – the goal of the Clean Rivers Program.

Impact and Response to Water Quality Issues: In response to the continuing drought conditions within the basin, various strategies have either been implemented or planned for implementation to conserve the precious amount of water available. It is interesting to note that per capita water use from municipal sources has actually decreased during the past decades, although per capita use varies in different areas of the state. Amarillo is considered a higher than normal per capita water user at number eight in a listing of the 40 largest cities in Texas. However, per capita demands are projected to decrease significantly in the future due to more stringent conservation practices, implementation of new laws requiring more efficient plumbing fixtures, and appropriately educating the public. Statewide the per capita demand is proposed to drop from 181 gallons per capita per day (gpcpd) to 159 gpcpd over a period of approximately 50 years.

The lack of adequate water supplies has forced municipalities and other water purveyors to search for whatever other sources are available. Unfortunately sources of good quality water are diminishing rapidly and the cost to purify and maintain compliance with all state and federal rules and regulations continue to spiral at alarming rates. Water may be free, but the expense involved in maintaining the bucket (reservoir), cleaning it to the point of meeting and/or exceeding all Safe Drinking Water Standards, then transmitting it to the user is not.

Water Supply Initiatives: Conservation and water supply strategies have been identified in the Canadian Basin to reduce the effects of drought conditions, while trying to remain optimistic that the drought will end soon.

Irrigation Strategies: Ideas specifically identified for farm irrigation in the basin include precipitation enhancement, an evapotranspiration network for scheduling irrigation, installation of low energy precision application equipment, changes in crop variety, implementation of conservation tillage methods, and conversion from irrigated agriculture to dryland agriculture.

Ground Water Well Development and Optimization: Additionally, ranchers propose to develop additional ground water while manufacturers plan to draw water from the Dockum Aquifer while awaiting an opportunity to utilize water from the Palo Duro Reservoir. Other proposals include augmenting surface water with ground water, effluent reuse where feasible, and building additional transmission lines.

However, the people of the Panhandle area have adopted a goal that at least 50% of the 1998 saturated thickness of the Ogallala Aquifer would be remaining in 50 years for future generations.

Salinity Control: In response to the salinity problems within the Canadian River and Lake Meredith, the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority (CRMWA) will continue to work toward controlling the chloride that enter the river. Disposing of the excess brine into the injection wells has proven to be a successful method of eliminating the salt by the CRMWA. Their goal is to provide additional injection wells to use for this purpose, while searching for other alternatives. Additional information is provided on the web at www.rra.texas.gov/CRP and www.crmwa.com.

Overview of Water Quality Monitoring: The Canadian River Basin is a very diverse river system that is located in the upper part of the Panhandle of Texas encompassing all or parts of 15 counties. Beginning in the northeastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico at an altitude of 9,000', the Canadian River crosses the Panhandle of Texas covering a drainage area of 12,616 square miles. From the Texas-New Mexico state line eastward, the Canadian crosses a relatively flat prairie with a gradual slope to an elevation of 2,870' at the Texas-Oklahoma border intersecting two ecoregions: the Western High Plains and the Southwestern Tablelands. A tributary of the Arkansas River, it eventually flows into the Mississippi River. Two major reservoirs: Lake Meredith and Palo Duro Reservoir, the Ogallala Aquifer plus three other minor aquifers provide water to approximately 220,000 people in the Canadian River Basin of Texas. In an area encompassing approximately 12,936 square miles, the population equates to approximately 16.8 people per square mile. However, if Potter County were removed from the statistics, the amount would be 8.7 people per square mile. For people who enjoy wide open spaces, the Texas Panhandle is the place to be.

Selected physical, chemical, and biological parameters collected by the Environmental Service Division (ESD) of the Authority are analyzed either in the field or at the Authority’s environmental laboratory. Within days of collection, the results of the analyses are entered into the data repository, which contains years of quality-assured water resource information on the Canadian River Basin.

Two main groups of information are collected at each sampling site: field and conventional. As the name implies, field parameters are collected and analyzed immediately after collection at the site. Conventional parameters are collected and preserved in the field, then taken back to the laboratory for processing and analysis. While the Authority is well equipped with its own environmental laboratory, samples collected by TCEQ and USGS are processed by their own in-house laboratories. All data collected by the entities sampling within the Canadian River Basin are entered into the statewide data collection system administered by the TCEQ. The Authority periodically submits data to this statewide database, while USGS submits data directly to TCEQ after it has been quality assured in its own database. The CRMWA does its own sampling and submits its data to the Authority for submission.

The data, compiled from 33 monitoring stations (USGS – 1, TCEQ – 12, RRA – 6, CRMWA –14) are then screened and quality assured utilizing methodologies and criteria approved by the TCEQ with respect to surface water quality standards. Refer to the schedule at www.rra.texas.gov/CRP for more information.

Table 3, Collected Water Quality Parameters, delineates the field measurements, bacterial or symptomatic indicators, interpretive site information, physical parameters, solids in water, as well as whether they are analyzed in the field, the ESD laboratory, or a contract laboratory.

Monitoring is intended to collect scientifically correct data to complete assessments of water quality conditions and impairments. There are four categories or types of monitoring in the Canadian River Basin. TCEQ had 34 events at 12 sites of which 629 constituents were analyzed, while the Authority had 54 events at six sites with 1,092 constituents analyzed. The USGS, which operates some of its sites continuously, had 2,262 events at two sites of which 1,897 constituents were analyzed. CRMWA had 144 events at 14 sites, of which 1,892 constituents were analyzed. In the Canadian River Basin:

% Fixed monitoring or routine monitoring (RT) is conducted every year at key sites.

% Systematic monitoring or intensive monitoring (IS) is conducted at specific sites on the annual reach of focus.

% Diurnal (DI) is a 24-hour DO monitoring to identify problematic areas where additional DO information is needed.

% Special studies (SS) are locations where special attention is required.

The USGS and CRMWA utilize routine monitoring (RT) while TCEQ and the Authority employ all four types of monitoring. Refer to the maps listing the monitoring sites – Figure 6a and 6b.

Water quality assured data collected by the Authority are entered into the Authority’s database and made available to assist entities in making informed decisions about their water resources based on scientifically valid data on the website at www.rra.texas.gov/CRP.

Canadian River at Highway 2277

Canadian River at Highway 70

Table 3 – Collected Water Quality Parameters
*Field analyses are collected and processed in the field laboratory. The results are expressed in mg/L except as noted.*
Temperature:	The temperature of water at the time of collection in degrees Celsius.
pH:	The hydrogen-ion activity of water caused by the breakdown of water molecules and the presence of dissolved acids and bases. pH determines whether a water body is acidic, neutral, or basic.
Dissolved Oxygen:	(DO) The oxygen that is freely available in water. DO is vital to fish and other aquatic life and the prevention of odors. Traditionally, the level of dissolved oxygen has been accepted as the single most important indicator of a water body’s ability to support desirable aquatic life.
Conductivity:	A measurement of the electrical current carrying capacity in Fmhos/cm of 1 cm³ of water at 25EC. Dissolved substances such as chloride or sodium in water dissociate into ions with the ability to conduct electrical current. Conductivity, or how well electricity is conducted, is a measure of how salty the water is. Salty water has a high conductivity.
Turbidity:	A measure of clarity of a water sample expressed in NTU’s (Nephalometric Turbidity Units). The higher the turbidity, the muddier the water.
Flow:	The velocity of the water body at the time of sampling expressed in CFS (cubic feet per second).
Flow Measurement Method:	The manner in which flow is measured, usually by gage or electrical device.
*Bacterial or Symptomatic Indicators*:
E. coli:	The current indicator bacteria to determine if the water body is suitable for contact recreation. It is expressed in MPN (most probable number) per 100 mL of water. High results on the E. coli test can indicate a potential pollution problem. E. coli is used as an indicator because it can be potentially harmful to people.
Fecal Coliforms:	The former indicator bacteria group used to determine if the water body is suitable for contact recreation. It is expressed in numbers of colonies per 100 mL of water. High results on the fecal coliform tests can indicate a potential pollution problem.
*Interpretive Site Information*:
Water Clarity:	Clearness of the water as it appears in the water body at the time of sampling. Clarity ranges from excellent to poor. Clarity is a visual indicator of a water body.
Water Color:	The apparent color of the water in the water body at the time of sampling. Water color that is different from the normal water body color can indicate potential problems.
Water Odor:	Odor of the water, if any. Odors can aid in discovering problems in a water body.
Weather:	Listing of basic weather conditions at the time of sampling. This information is useful as an aid in determining if a particular problem is weather related.
Days Since Last Significant Precipitation:	The number of either estimated or actual days since the last beneficial rainfall event.

Table 3 – Collected Water Quality Parameters
*Conventional analyses that are processed in the Authority’s ESD Laboratory. The results are expressed in mg/L except as noted.*
*Physical Parameters:*
Alkalinity:	A measure of the acid-neutralizing capacity of water. Bicarbonate, carbonate, and hydroxide are the primary causes of alkalinity in natural waters. Alkalinity is a measurement of the buffering capacity of water and its capability to neutralize acids.
Ammonia:	Naturally occurring in surface and wastewater, and is produced by the breakdown of compounds containing organic nitrogen. Elevated ammonia levels are a good indicator of organic pollution.
Calcium:	Dissolved metal associated with chloride, sulfate, and alkalinity.
Hardness:	The sum of the calcium and magnesium concentrations in water and is expressed as calcium carbonate.
Chloride:	One of the major inorganic ions in water and wastewater. Concentrations can be increased by industrial processes. High chloride concentrations can affect metallic objects, growing plants, and make water unsuitable for drinking. Chloride compounds, often known as salts, can be an indicator of natural or manmade pollution, as in the case of oil field brines.
COD:	A measure of the amount of oxygen required to oxidize all compounds in the water, both organic (living) and inorganic (nonliving). COD is an indicator of how much organic load is placed on the oxygen in a water body.
Orthophosphate:	Nearly all phosphorus exists in water in the phosphate form. The most important form of inorganic phosphorus is orthophosphate, making up 90% of the total. Orthophosphate is the only form of soluble inorganic phosphorus that can be directly utilized in a water body. Orthophosphate is the least abundant of any nutrient and is commonly the limiting factor.
Total Phosphorus:	An essential nutrient to the growth of organisms and can be the nutrient that limits the primary productivity of water. In excessive amounts from wastewater, agricultural drainage, and certain industrial wastes, it also contributes to the eutrophication of lakes and other water bodies. Phosphorus is commonly known as a man made pollutant.
Sulfate:	Derived from rocks and soils containing gypsum, iron sulfides, and other sulfur compounds. Sulfides are widely distributed in nature. In high concentrations sulfate can affect taste and cause physical problems in drinking water.
*Solids in Water:*
TDS:	Total Dissolved Solids – The amount of material (both inorganic salts and organic material) dissolved in water.
TSS:	Total Suspended Solids – A measure of the total suspended solids in water, both organic and inorganic.
VSS:	Volatile Suspended Solids – A portion of the TSS that is lost after cooking at high temperatures. This represents the organic part of the TSS.

Table 3 – Collected Water Quality Parameters
*Physical parameters sent to contract laboratories:*
TOC:	Total Organic Carbon is all of the carbon portions, both organic and inorganic in a water body.
Chlorophyll a:	A photosynthetic pigment which is found in all green plants. The concentration of chlorophyll a is used to estimate phytoplankton biomass (all of the phytoplankton in a given area) in surface water. Results are expressed in Fg/L (micrograms per liter).
Pheophytin:	An important degradation product of chlorophyll a and interferes with the measurement of chlorophyll a. Pheophytin A can cause an over or under estimation of chlorophyll a. It is used to determine a more accurate measure of chlorophyll a. Results are expressed in Fg/L (micrograms per liter).
Nitrate plus Nitrite:	An intermediate oxidation state in the nitrification process (ammonia ÷ nitrate ÷ nitrite or end nitrogen product).

Water Quality Data Review: The overall condition of the Canadian River Basin water resources is generally good and supports a hearty and robust aquatic life with respect to stream standards. However, only two of the five classified stream segments have been designated for public water supply use. Lake Meredith is the only one actively used. The Palo Duro Reservoir has not filled sufficiently to be used as a water supply yet.

The Texas Surface Water Quality Inventory (TSWQI), commonly known as the 305(b) Report, is prepared by TCEQ and submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) on even numbered years in accordance with Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act. Water quality data collected by TCEQ, USGS, CRP contractors and partners over the previous five-year period are analyzed for comparison against water quality standards, designated use criteria, and established screening levels. The Authority also analyzes the data for the Canadian River Basin and compares the findings with TCEQ. Based on the analysis, water bodies which do not meet the Water Quality Standards are placed on the List of Impaired Water Bodies commonly known as the 303(d) list. Water bodies with use attainment concerns due to lack of data or are reported to have had a few exceedances of criteria, and those which indicate a significant decline in water quality or have exceedances as compared to drinking water standards are listed as Primary Concerns. Water bodies determined to exceed screening levels established especially for this assessment for parameters which no water quality standards have been adopted are listed as Secondary Concerns. The listing of water bodies in the 305(b) Report impact future uses and permitting requirements dependent only on the priority of the listing.

Other concerns listed in the Draft 2002 TSWQI are discussed in the following reach sections. The Canadian River Basin is so diverse that basinwide averages are irrelevant as a means of comparison. Therefore, the basin has been divided into five reaches for similitude.

Reach Iencompasses an area about 90 miles long and 40 miles wide located on the main stem of the Canadian River. It represents a watershed from the Texas-Oklahoma state line upstream to the Sanford Dam on the Canadian River encompassing the northern portion of Hemphill County and the southernmost section of Lipscomb County to Hutchinson County and the northern portion of Carson County. Reach I contains two subwatersheds totaling 4,790 square miles of contributing drainage with 2,831 square miles in Texas. The largest cities within the reach include Pampa and Borger with populations of 17,887 and 14,302 respectively. There are about 11 towns with populations less than10,000 and include Canadian, Stinnett, parts of White Deer, Skellytown, Miami, and Sanford. Total population is approximately 50,000. The individual maps beginning on page 22 of the report delineate factors influencing water quality by reach and will provide additional information. Rainfall in Reach I averages from 19" to 21" annually.

Reach I encompasses all or parts of four counties and involves one classified stream segment (0101). Included in this reach are 36 permitted municipal and industrial discharges, 12 permitted solid waste disposal sites. The reach has four concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and an estimated 1,200 septic tanks. There are more than 2,100 ground water wells utilizing water from the Ogallala Aquifer.

More than 1,200 farms and ranches covering over 2,600,000 acres of land produce cattle, swine, poultry, wheat, oats, corn, sorghum, hay, barley, alfalfa, and soybeans. Only about 55,000 acres are irrigated farm land, with the remainder being either dryland farming or pasture land for cattle. The soils range from sandy alluvial soils to dark and reddish clay loams over flat plain to broken rocky valleys where the plains break into the Canadian River valley. Agribusiness, oil and gas production, and a chemical plant are the main revenue sources located within this reach.

Table 4 provides a summary of four of the animal species by reach. Most notable of the mammals is the pronghorn antelope, which thrives in this habitat. Years ago buffalo were in abundance, but now are only found in isolated pockets. Flocks of migratory water fowl travel the flyway throughout the Panhandle region.

Table 4 – Panhandle Wildlife
Animal Species	Reaches					Bird Species by Ecoregion
Animal Species	I	II	III	IV	V	Rolling Plains	High Plains
Amphibians	13	9	8	4	5	325	396
Reptiles	45	28	19	17	18	Although the geography is generally arid and intimidating, a diverse array of wildlife peppers the landscape. Additional information on the specific names of each species represented in Table 4 may be found on the Authority’s website at www.rra.texas.gov.
Mammals	60	61	60	60	61
Fish	42	32	31	30	38

The Authority conducted 54 monitoring events, collecting 1,092 constituents from six water quality monitoring stations(six routine and two special studies) in Reach I.

Indicator pathogens (E. coli and fecal coliforms) and depressed DO were the only two constituents that exceeded stream standards in the analysis of the monitoring in Reach I. Additionally, a portion of Reach I has a secondary concern for nutrient enrichment. Although nutrients do not have set standards, they are approached as secondary concerns.

Segment 0101, the portion of the Canadian River located in Hutchinson County, has a nutrient enrichment secondary concern for ammonia. Primarily rural in nature, the area is utilized for livestock and oil field production. Moderate to low flows combined with drought-like conditions that continue to plague the area, are contributing factors to the high ammonia levels. During recent years the Canadian River upstream of the confluence of Rock Creek, has been dry, only flowing during periods of high rainfall events. The two major creeks in the area, Dixon Creek (Segment 0101A) and Rock Creek (Segment 0101B) are the major contributors to this segment of the Canadian River. Future monitoring events should provide a better assessment of this issue.

One unclassified creek in this reach is Dixon Creek (Segment 0101A), a tributary of the Canadian River near Borger. The creek is in the center of the Borger oil field, where many of the early strikes that touched off the Panhandle boom of the late 1920s took place. It is listed on the 303(d) list of impaired water bodies for bacteria and depressed DO. Recent reviews of the data have shown nutrient enrichment concerns. The creek is heavily utilized by local cattle ranchers as a source of water for their range livestock. Without the flow from an industrial discharger upstream, Dixon Creek would most likely be an intermittent water body. The depressed DO problem in this water body likely occurred due to a problem from the permitted discharger. Conceivably these problems will continue because of the nature of the primary source of water for this creek. A multiple year Aquatic Life Assessment (ALA) has been undertaken to ascertain the levels of impairment. Additional data will be collected in the summer of 2003 to complete the information required to properly assess the impairment.

Another unclassified creek in this reach is Rock Creek (Segment 0101B) near the community of Bunavista. The creek flows through rolling prairies, cacti, scrub brush, and grasses through rocky, clay and sandy loams, down the steep slopes that are found along the Canadian River watershed. Rock Creek receives treated effluent discharge from a local municipal discharger. Recent screening indicates a continued elevated bacterial concern that may be originating from livestock, as well as runoff from pasture lands. Although not covered in the recent screening, elevated ammonia nitrogen levels have been found in the upper reaches of this unclassified segment. Coincidentally, there is a fertilizer manufacturing plant that is also located in the upper reaches of Rock Creek that is permitted for deep well injections. However, with all of the drilling in the nearby oil fields, both recent and historic, it is possible that a trickle up or leak effect from an unknown source is contributing to the problem. As one of two major contributors to the flow of the Canadian River in this portion of the segment, it is likely that the nutrient enrichment problems originate in Rock Creek. Also, Dixon Creek, located near Rock Creek, becomes intermittent just above the industrial plant. Additional monitoring of Rock Creek and the ALA from Dixon Creek will yield invaluable information that could lead to rectification of the problems.

Reach IIrepresents the Canadian River main stem watershed from the Sanford Dam at Lake Meredith in Moore and Potter Counties upstream about 85 miles to the Texas-New Mexico state line to Oldham and Hartley Counties. The width of the area is about 45 miles. Two classified stream segments (0102 and 0103) are located in Reach II. It includes two subwatersheds with 3,760 square miles of contributing drainage in Texas and New Mexico, 3,108 square miles in Texas. The individual reach map located on page 23 will provide additional information. Rainfall averages from 19" to 20" annually in Reach II.

Amarillo, the largest city in the Canadian River Basin, has a total population of 173,627. Dissected by both the Red and Canadian River Basins, Reach II encompasses about a fourth of the northwestern portion of the city. Other small towns contained within Reach II include Fritch, Vega, Sanford, and Adrian. The total population of the reach is approximately 120,000. The major economy in the reach consists of agribusiness and oil and gas production. However, since Amarillo is the largest city in the Panhandle, it is as diversified as any other city its size would be. As well as the natural hub for all agribusiness and oil and gas production, more than 9,500 businesses provide jobs to its inhabitants. Amarillo is also home to a large refinery that produces copper, selenium, nickel, and tellurium. Also found only in this reach is the unique resource of free gaseous helium.

The reach contains 18 permitted municipal and industrial discharges, six permitted solid waste disposal sites, ten CAFOs, an estimated 5,000 septic tanks, and 2,422 petroleum storage tanks. Also in this reach are four hazardous waste plant permits. There are more than 1,100 ground water wells in the reach using water from the Ogallala and Dockum Aquifers.

Reach II contains more than 600 farms and ranches covering an area of about 1,850,000 acres of land. These farms and ranches produce principally cattle, wheat, oats, corn, sorghum, hay, barley, alfalfa, and soybeans. Only a small portion is irrigated farm land, with the rest being either dryland farming or pasture land for cattle. The soils range from sandy alluvial soils to dark and reddish clay loams over flat plain to broken rocky valleys where the plains break into the Canadian River valley.

The Authority conducted 24 monitoring events, collecting 504 constituents from two routine water quality monitoring stations in Reach II.

The largest reservoir in the Canadian River Basin is located within Reach II. Lake Meredith has a total storage capacity of 1,407,600 acre-feet and a surface area of 21,640 acres at an elevation of 2,965' above mean sea level. Water is diverted, filtered, treated, and pumped to eleven area cities located within parts of three different river basins.

Lake Meredith (Segment 0102) has a concern related to public water supply due to elevated levels of TDS, chloride, and sulfate. These concerns originate from the inflow of the Canadian River to the lake that is naturally contaminated with salts. Data from the Lake Meredith Salinity Control Project has determined that a major contributor of saline water to the river system is a shallow brine aquifer under artesian pressure that filters into the river channel.

Approximately 70% of the chloride in Lake Meredith originates downstream of the Ute Dam near Logan, New Mexico. Deep well injection of the highly saline water by the CRMWA has decreased the amount of chloride within the river. However, since river channel sand has been saturated with salt, it will require several years to cleanse the river of these salts.

Additionally, a use concern and consumption advisory due to mercury in walleye has been issued in Segment 0102, Lake Meredith. The concern is most likely due to atmospheric deposition and a TMDL will be conducted.

Additionally, a primary concern for contact recreation has been observed above Lake Meredith in the Canadian River in the upper reaches of Segment 0103 because of bacteria. The sparsely populated, rural area consists of pasture and grazing lands for livestock and other wildlife. Due to the nature of the river, significant rainfall events cause bacterial levels to increase considerably. Another possibility is that the upper reaches of Lake Meredith are literally covered with four-wheeler recreational tracks. This sport enjoyed by many may be a source of more than one kind of pollution.

East Amarillo Creek (Segment 0103A) is also located in Reach II. The unclassified creek is identified as a perennial stream, although it may be dry for several weeks at a time in very dry years. The creek also occasionally receives treated effluent from a municipal discharger, except for the uppermost portions of the subwatershed. East Amarillo Creek traverses through some relatively rural areas of the basin. For most of the stream's length, the terrain is low-rolling to relatively flat pasture land, locally dissected areas surfaced by clay and sandy loam. At the stream's mouth the soil is loose sand, and vegetation along the creek bed includes scrub brush and grasses. The creek has experienced elevated bacterial concentrations creating a primary use concern.

A secondary concern for nutrient enrichment has been identified due to elevated levels of nitrate-nitrite-nitrogen. The diverse nature of the creek is conceivably the main contributor to its problems. East Amarillo Creek flows through northern Amarillo, originating in Thompson Park. As the head waters of the creek flow through the park, the City of Amarillo has impounded a series of small ponds collectively known as Thompson Park Lake. As a city park lake, in a city known for its limited water bodies, significant numbers of local water fowl reside and thrive in these ponds and the park. Also, located in the park above the ponds, is the City of Amarillo’s public zoo. Combining these factors with stormwater runoff makes East Amarillo Creek a virtual plethora of environmental concerns.

Lake Meredith in the Winter

Reach IIIrepresents the Rita Blanca Creek watershed upstream to the Texas-New Mexico state line encompassing Hartley and Dallam Counties. The three subwatersheds contained in this reach encompass 3,554 square miles of which 1,527 square miles are contributing drainage. It encompasses one classified stream segment (0105). Within the reach are 16 CAFO permits, one permitted solid waste disposal site, about 131 petroleum storage tanks, and approximately 2,500 septic tanks. More than 680 ground water wells use water from the Ogallala and Dockum Aquifers in Reach III.

Dalhart is the largest city in Reach III with a population of 7,237; more than 9,000 persons populate this reach. There are five other small towns including Texline and Channing. The economy of the reach is basically agribusiness, oil and gas production, and hunting. Refer to the reach map on page 24 for additional information. Rainfall averages from 16" to a little over 17" annually in Reach III.

There are more than 600 farms and ranches that cover about 1,750,000 acres of land. These farms and ranches produce cattle, wheat, oats, corn, sorghum, hay, barley, alfalfa, and soybeans. As described in the preceding reaches only a small portion is irrigated. The soils range from sandy alluvial soils to dark and reddish clay loams over flat plain to broken rocky valleys where the plains break into the Canadian River valley.

There are only three designated monitoring sites in Reach III, two located on the Rita Blanca Lake. TCEQ conducted routine water quality monitoring at one of the stations on Rita Blanca.

Rita Blanca Lake (Segment 0105A), located on Rita Blanca Creek in Reach III, has a capacity of 12,100 acre-feet and a surface area of 524 acres at an elevation of 3,860' above mean sea level. The drainage area above the dam is 1,062 square miles. Although the drainage is a relatively large area, the enduring drought has all but dried up the lake. Historically, the lake, which was built in the 1938 by the WPA, was three-fourths full by May 1941, and full only a couple of times during its long life.

Rita Blanca Lake is listed on the 303(d) list of impaired water bodies for bacteria, pH, and TDS concerns. A result of the unrelenting drought is that Rita Blanca Lake does not receive any significant freshwater contributions other than treated effluent from a municipal discharger. With no steady inflow and only one source of water, Rita Blanca Lake is now nothing more than a shallow, marshy wetland. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has designated Rita Blanca Lake as a high quality water fowl habitat and has marked it with signs as such. During the Spring and Fall water fowl migrations, Rita Blanca Lake hosts countless numbers of migrating water fowl. Consequently, local residents do not consider the lake for recreational use.

Reclassification of the water body standards should be considered for Rita Blanca to match its characteristics, which would remove it from the 303(d) list.

Reach IVincludes the Palo Duro Creek watershed, Segment 0199, from Hansford to Dallam Counties at the northern Texas-Oklahoma state line upstream to its headwaters and portions of Coldwater Creek, Frisco Creek, and the Lower Beaver River. The reach covers an area approximately 100 miles in length and 50 miles in width. It contains three subwatersheds with 6,520 square miles of which 3,448 are contributing drainage in Texas. There are four permitted municipal and industrial dischargers, eight permitted solid waste disposal sites, 26 CAFOs, about 530 petroleum storage tanks, and approximately 1,000 septic tanks.

Cities and towns located in Reach IV include Dumas, located in Moore County, with a population of 13,747, as well as several other small towns including: Spearman, Cactus, Stratford, Sunray, and Gruver, ranging in population from 3,021 to 1,162 respectively. Population in Reach IV is approximately 30,000.

There are more than 780 ground water wells within the reach that utilize water from the Ogallala and Dockum Aquifers. Rainfall averages from 19" to 20" annually. More than 580 farms and ranches encompassing 1,100,000 acres of land produce cattle, wheat, oats, corn, sorghum, hay, barley, alfalfa and soybeans within Reach IV. The soils range from sandy alluvial soils to dark and reddish clay loams over flat plain to broken rocky valleys.

Although the Authority did not conduct any monitoring in Reach IV, TCEQ collected data at one station at the Palo Duro Reservoir.

Palo Duro Reservoir (Segment 0199A), located in Reach IV, has a total storage capacity of 60,900 ac/ft with a drainage area of about 614 square miles. It was listed on the (TSWQI) 303(d) list of impaired water bodies for depressed DO. Secondary concerns have been identified for ammonia, nitrate plus nitrite, orthophosphate, and total phosphorous. Ongoing drought conditions added to the naturally arid nature of this region have inhibited the filling of the Palo Duro Reservoir, which was completed in 1991. The reservoir is shallow and like Rita Blanca, visited by large numbers of migratory water fowl. Continued sampling of this reservoir is recommended to adequately determine the causes of these problems.

Analyzing Samples in the Environmental Services Division (ESD) Laboratory at Red River Authority of Texas.

Reach V represents the Wolf, Mammoth, and Kiowa Creek watersheds from the Texas-Oklahoma state line upstream to the headwaters of each. It encompasses the upper eastern section of the Panhandle in Lipscomb and Ochiltree Counties about 65 miles long by 35 miles wide. It includes three subwatersheds with 3,589 square miles of contributing drainage. Reach V contains one classified stream segment (0104), ten permitted municipal and industrial dischargers, six permitted solid waste disposal sites, 10 CAFOs, about 380 petroleum storage tanks, and approximately 1,250 septic tanks.

The largest city in Reach V is Perryton, which has a population of 7,774. Other smaller towns include Booker, Higgins, Follett, and Darrouzett. The total population of the reach is approximately 11,000. Economics of the area is based on agribusiness, oil and gas production, and hunting.

More than 660 farms and ranches encompass about 1,150,000 acres of land that produces cattle, wheat, oats, corn, sorghum, hay, and barley. There are more than 375 ground water wells within the reach utilizing water from the Ogallala Aquifer. Rainfall averages from 19" to 23" annually.

Wolf Creek (Segment 0104) in Reach V is surrounded by typically flat terrain with local escarpments. Brush and grasses grow in the mostly deep, fine sandy loam along its banks. Contact recreation use is fully supporting, although bacteria occasionally exceed standards, generating a primary use concern. Since the creek is spring-fed, it flows year round. With the continuing drought conditions that have permeated the Panhandle of Texas, local ranchers apply this valuable resource for livestock watering. Consequently, any significant rainfall event causes the bacterial levels to rise sharply, but decrease during drier periods.

As evidenced by this review, the concerns listed on the TSWQI or 305(b) report are predominately due to the extended drought conditions, naturally occurring problems, and the high level of chloride.

The ESD of the Authority works closely with the TCEQ regions and entities within the basin to monitor, sample, and analyze all information received to provide up-to-date data for improved resource management. The Clean Rivers Program contributes toward this effort and provides immeasurable expertise to assist in the control and/or alleviation of these concerns in the Canadian River Basin.

Table 5 – Overview of Water Quality Monitoring
Agency	Reach	Cont DO	24-Hr DO	Metals Water	Organ Water	Metals Sed	Conv	Ind Bact	Instan Flow	Field	RT	IS	DI	SS
RRA	I		6				120	48	24	390	2			2
TCEQ	I		3				30	8		40	1			1
USGS	I		365				72			1,460	1
Total Reach I			374				222	56	24	1,890	4			3
CRMWA	II						432			1,460	14
RRA	II						120	48	24	312	4
TCEQ	II			48	30	24	60	32	12	160	2			1
Total Reach II				48	30	24	612	80	36	1,932	20			1
TCEQ	III							4		20	1
Total Reach III								4		20	1
TCEQ	IV		2					8	4	40	2
USGS	IV	365					72			1,460	1
Total Reach IV		365	2				72	8	4	1,500	3
TCEQ	V							16	8	80
Total Reach V								16	8	80

RRA Red River Authority of Texas		Conv Conventionals
CRMW Canadian River Municipal Water Authority		Ind Bact Indicator Bacteria
TCEQ Texas Commission on Environmental Quality		Instan Flow Instantaneous Flow
USGS U.S. Geological Survey		Field Field Parameters
Cont DO Continuous Dissolved Oxygen		RT Routine Sampling
24-Hr DO 24-Hour Dissolved Oxygen		IS Intensive Systematic Monitoring
Organ Water Organics in Water		DI Diurnal Sampling
Metals Sed Metals in Sediment		SS Special Studies

Suggestions for Future Work in the Canadian: The Authority has pursued the goals of the Clean Rivers Program from the beginning and worked vigorously to take samples, monitor sites, and analyze the data collected to determine trends in the Canadian River Basin.

Depending on the availability of future funding, an emphasis should be placed on expansion by event and frequency of the baseline monitoring program to adequately obtain enough data with which to make informed decisions regarding the health and stability of the watershed.

The number of monitoring sites that the Authority actually needs to sample is far more than the sites actually sampled to adequately assess the basin comprehensively. The reason is again lack of funds. Instead of cuts to the monitoring effort, there should be more fixed monitoring stations, which is the primary source of the Authority’s baseline data. A constant data stream at fixed stations should be a high priority. Additionally, the areas with the greatest risk should have the highest precedence.

Aquatic Life Assessment on Dixon Creek: The Authority assisted in an Aquatic Life Assessment (ALA) on Dixon Creek. The multiple year ALA has been undertaken to ascertain the levels of impairment. Additional data will be collected in the summer of 2003 to complete the information required to properly assess the impairment.

Well Plugging Initiative: The Canadian River Basin has been a primary location for the Well Plugging Initiative between TCEQ and the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC). Elevated levels of chloride within the Canadian River Basin were a motivating factor because unplugged wells, improperly plugged wells, and leaking well casings aggravated the problem. These unplugged wells provide a pathway for communication to surface and subsurface water or may leak and contaminate surface and subsurface water. Properly plugged wells eliminate this potential source of pollution.

In existence since 1983, the state-funded well plugging program targeted these delinquent, non-compliant, or improperly plugged wells. From 1984 through 2002, 18,631 wells were plugged at a cost of $82.5 million statewide.

An oil field cleanup fund was created in 1991 with the passage of Senate Bill 1103. During the period of September 1991 through April 2002, 14,273 wells were plugged at a cost of $60.4 million statewide. During the period of 1992 through 2002, the Texas Railroad Commission, District 10 located in Pampa, has plugged 243 wells at a cost of $1.6 million. In 2002, District 10 plugged 25 wells at a cost of $212,000.

Within the Canadian River Basin, 265 delinquent or noncompliant wells have been identified, the most being in Hutchinson County with a total of 174.

The RRC has recently reported that with the release of funds for the FY 2003 program, District 10 has begun plugging 24 wells on the Canadian River. One was completed in late March 2003 and the RRC is undergoing the bidding process for the second well. The bidding process has been completed for seven wells with the remaining 17 in different stages of the process. Most of the wells are located within the Panhandle Hutchinson County Field in Hutchinson County.

Homeland Security: Now, when the United States is under continual threats of terrorist attacks, particular precautions should be in place to protect all water sources. Continuous monitoring upstream of the municipal water sources is of the highest priority during these times.

Budget Shortfalls: As an agency of the state, and in compliance with its mission, the Authority has provided financial assistance as much as possible to alleviate some of the budget shortfalls, and also contributes to the Clean Rivers Program by payment of the fees assessed to fund the program. As a self-supporting agency, the Authority sustains itself through contractual agreements with governmental and non governmental entities. Consequently, the additional funding required to adequately monitor the basin’s water resources is limited. Nevertheless, the Authority will continue to advocate and work toward full attainment of the CRP goals.

The Authority receives its guidance from TCEQ, but also listens and responds to the needs provided and directed by the Steering Committees or Basin Advisory Committee. The ideal situation would be a much more balanced approach to meet all needs of the basin. To reiterate the functions of the agencies, it should be emphasized that the Authority and TCEQ jointly prepare the assessment of the area, however, TCEQ is responsible for any regulatory action required.

Water Quality Issues Maps (Figures 1-5)

These maps are in Adobe Acrobat “Portable Document Format” (.PDF) Don’t have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader? Get it here.

Reach I (Figure 1)

Reach II (Figure 2)

Reach III (Figure 3)

Reach IV (Figure 4)

Reach V (Figure 5)

Monitoring Sites Maps

These maps are in Adobe Acrobat “Portable Document Format” (.PDF)

Canadian River Basin 2002 Coordinated Monitoring Stations (Figure 6a)

Canadian River Basin 2002 Coordinated Monitoring Stations at Lake Meredith (Figure 6b)

Dixon Creek

Working on Dixon Creek ALA

Public Participation and Outreach: One of the most successful components of the Clean Rivers Program has been the emphasis placed on public participation and outreach or involvement. This forum enables people to broaden their awareness of water quality conditions, share the knowledge and expertise of many, and cooperatively pursue avenues to rectify problems. The reflection of service with an emphasis on good science is fundamental in the Authority’s purpose.

Basin Advisory Committee: The Basin Advisory Committee (BAC) has evolved into a diverse group of interested individuals from all sectors. The public is always invited to all meetings and no one is ever turned away. Open, friendly, casual, yet informative, probably most appropriately describes the Basin Advisory Committee Meetings held each year in Amarillo. The meetings strive to address the most pressing issues within the basin, as well as provide opportunities for open discussion. Meetings are not adjourned until direction has been received from the stakeholders in the area. Because their input is invaluable, their time limited, and the long drive inevitable, the Authority always provides an appetizing lunch. It is the Texas way. On May 23, 2002, at least 30 people actively participated in the Basin Advisory Committee Meeting held in Amarillo. The BAC meetings continue to be a valuable component of the Clean Rivers process, and the Authority is extremely pleased with the interaction, participation, and interest within the basin.

Coordinated Monitoring Meeting: A Monitoring Meeting is held in the early spring of each year to coordinate the sites, parameters, and frequency to adequately collect and disseminate data for chemical, physical, and biological data utilizing the funds available to the monitoring entities. This meeting aids in eliminating duplication of effort and focuses on problem areas with the limited resources available. Refer to Figures 6-a and 6-b on pages 27-28 to review maps of the coordinated monitoring sites. The Coordinated monitoring Schedule is listed on the Authority’s website at www.rra.texas.gov/CRP.

The annual Coordinated Monitoring Meeting was held on April 4, 2002 in Wichita Falls. Those in attendance included representatives of four of the TCEQ regional offices, as well as the members of the SWQM team, TMDL team, and the CRP Project Director from the main office in Austin. Other participants included the USGS and an active water improvement district. At the end of the informative, interactive meeting, each participant left with a draft copy of the proposed FY 2003 monitoring schedule. Sixteen people participated in the meeting. The Coordinated Monitoring Meeting for FY 2004 has been scheduled for April 3, 2003. The Authority maintains a very good rapport with the TCEQ regional offices and the USGS office.

Awareness: On a regular basis Authority personnel provide presentations to various organizations, clubs, and civic groups to peak interest and awareness in natural resource issues. Additionally, the Authority provides all types of information and articles that appear regularly in newspapers throughout the area.

Education: Educational materials, especially the Major Rivers and Think Earth curriculum are provided to area schools as much as funds allow. These two publications are a particular favorite of teachers and students alike.

Education about water quality, knowledge of the water cycle, and similar curriculum taught to children at an early age are key to resolving the water needs of the future.

Red River Authority of Texas Website: A virtual encyclopedia of information is available on the Authority’s website located at www.rra.texas.gov. The home page allows the user to locate information on the Authority, Canadian River Basin, activities and services, search of the website, and local weather. Also, the public information repository will guide one to a wealth of information. Unlimited facts and data are just a click away. Information is available on data inventories, digital mapping, general information, legislation, other environmental sites, weather information, and countless other links. A publication’s library is also available that includes reports and studies prepared by the Authority.

Red River Authority of Texas was created by the legislature almost 45 years ago. Under the guidance of a nine-member Board of Directors and the leadership of only the second General Manager in its history, the Authority strives to be of beneficial service to the public in all aspects of water resources. The Clean Rivers Program reflects similar goals which permit the Authority and TCEQ to concurrently extend this expertise to the public. Responding to the stakeholders, focusing on priority issues, and keeping abreast of regulatory mandates enables the Authority and the Clean Rivers Program to reach the goals originally established 12 years ago.

The Authority maintains a database and mailing list of all cities, towns, counties, state and federal agencies, water supply corporations, stake-holders, and concerned citizens. Always willing to serve, we encourage you to contact us at any time and we will endeavor to assist you in whatever way we can.

Red River Authority of Texas

900 Eighth Street

Hamilton Building, Suite 520

Wichita Falls, Texas 76301-6894

(940) 723-8697

Fax: (940) 723-8531

http://www.rra.texas.gov