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City Departments City Government Community Downloads History Visitors Water Quality - Let's Improve Plum Creek Together! Most of Caldwell County and parts of Hays and Travis Counties are in the Plum Creek Watershed, a roughly 400 square mile area that flows to Plum Creek, which in turn flows to the San Marcos River. All water that falls as rain or rises from springs makes its way to this common point after draining both rural and urban areas around Kyle, Lockhart, Luling, and many smaller communities. Our activities and actions here in Lockhart directly impact the water quality of Plum Creek. CITY OF LOCKHART AWARDED TCEQ GRANT The City of Lockhart was recently awarded a grant from the Texas Commission Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This grant combines Federal and State funds to be used to assist in improving the quality of the water in the Plum Creek Watershed which, ultimately flows into the San Marcos River and then into the Guadalupe River. The Plum Creek Watershed, San Marcos and the Guadalupe Rivers are a critical part of the Carrizo - Wilcox Aquifer Recharge Zone. A portion of the city's water supply does come directly from the aquifer by way of strategically placed city wells. The City of Lockhart is partnering with EPA, TCEQ, GBRA, Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the TSSWCB to work towards improving the quality of the water entering the watershed. The citizens of Lockhart play a vital role in the program. By eliminating grass clippings being blown into the street gutters and eliminating the use of phosphates in the process of washing our vehicles, sidewalks and commercial properties we can reduce NonPoint Source Pollution (NPS) and thus, reduce contaminates from entering the mid section of the watershed region for which the city plays a critical part. Residents can help by using biodegradable detergents when washing their vehicles, sidewalks and commercial properties. Washing of vehicles can also be done at local car washes that trap systems are utilized to prevent pollution from entering the creek systems around town. Biodegradable products can be purchased within our local retail stores. If for some reason you are unable to locate a product that states it is environmentally friendly, ask the Store Manager for assistance or request they begin stocking the items. The City Council took the initiative by passing Ordinance 2010-02 amending the Code of Ordinances in Chapter 48, Solid Waste by adding Section 48:47, prohibiting disposal of natural yard waste into streets and/or drainage facilities. This ordinance is currently in effect and we would like to request our residents to be mindful of the ordinance when performing yard work. This will help the community reduce pollution from entering the creek systems. By taking an active role in partnering with the EPA, TCEQ, GBRA, Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the TSSWCB, the City of Lockhart's residents can step to the forefront and be noted as a model for other communities to follow as an example of community conservation and protection of a vital resource...Fresh Water. Improving Water Quailty Tips: Companion planting Discarding trash or yard waste Dispose of pet waste Go "mostly" organic Limit pesticides and fertilizers Maintain your vehicles Plan what you plant Use chemicals safely Washing cars Companion planting Companion planting. This is another way of working with nature. Some plants emit chemicals from their roots or leaves, which repel pests. As an example, tomatoes repel caterpillars from diamondback moths, which like to chew on cabbage leaves. So, instead of using a pesticide for moths on cabbage, try planting the cabbage near your tomatoes. The combination and benefits of companion planing is endless. For more beneficial combinations look for information and tips when you purchase the plants. Back to Top Discarding trash or yard waste Never discard trash or yard waste down storm drains or in the street. Do not sweep yard waste into the street. Back to Top Dispose of pet waste Dispose of pet waste properly. Pet waste left in yards can be a pollutant (in the form of E-Coli bacteria) to water in creeks, rivers, and lakes. Back to Top Go "mostly" organic Go 'mostly' organic in your lawn and garden. This is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. You don't necessarily have to go 100% organic either. Try out a few organic pesticides or fertilizers and see what works for you! By going mostly organic in your garden, you'll help to stimulate beneficial soil organisms, reduce harmful wastewater runoff, and create a healthier place for your pets and children to play. Back to Top Limit pesticides and fertilizers Limit the use of pesticides and fertilizers in your yard. Try using biodegradable products that do not harm the environment whenever possible. Back to Top Maintain your vehicles Properly maintain your vehicles to prevent oil and gasoline leaks. If you change your own oil, don't dump the used oil on the ground or in the trash. Take used oil to the Lockhart Recycling Center. Back to Top Plan what you plant Plan what you plant. It's a fact of life that your plants will attract pests. You can minimize this problem by growing plants native to Texas. These plants are typically more resistant to pests and require less insecticides and pesticides. Back to Top Use chemicals safely Use lawn chemicals safely. Always follow label instructions and never apply before rain or watering the lawn, unless label instructions direct you to do so. Back to Top Washing cars If you wash your car at home, use biodegradable products. Back to Top Improving Water Quality Tips For more information, please call (512) 398-3461 or send an email to gweatherford@lockhart-tx.org. EDUCATION CORNER Masterbug Theatre Darby Duck What's Wrong with This Picture? Word Search Puzzle
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