Water Quality > Water Quality Monitoring

Water Quality Monitoring

One of the first steps to protecting and preserving our water resources is monitoring the quality and quantity of the water within the basin. This is done through several different programs administered by the Environmental Services Department of the San Antonio River Authority (SARA).

SARA biologists and field staff collect water quality samples, flows, and field parameters. They also assess aquatic insect and fish communities along with performing habitat assessments to evaluate the health of the rivers and creeks within the basin.

SARA laboratory staff analyze water for bacterial, chemical, and physio-chemical parameters.

SARA planning and assessments staff responsibilities consist of project planning, quality assurance, data management, research, statistical analysis, and report preparation for the department.

The San Antonio River Basin Monitoring Network

Two years ago several public and private partners, such SARA, in the San Antonio Region partnered to create the San Antonio River Basin Monitoring Network to determine baseline conditions for the San Antonio River Basin. The Network goal was to monitor for long-term changes to water quality caused by increased development and urbanization and short-term impacts on water quality from discrete events, such as storms and accidental spills. This program is a spin-off of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) voluntary Continuous Water Monitoring Program. Click here for more information.