Water quality in the Atascosa River

The Atascosa River flows through the heart of the county past Pleasanton and Poteet. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) checked the river's water quality and found two main problems: high bacteria levels and low dissolved oxygen. High bacteria creates health risks for people who wade or swim. Low dissolved oxygen can harm fish and other water life.

TCEQ runs a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program. It studies water bodies with problems and sets limits on how much pollution can enter them. The Atascosa River has been part of this program.

Before swimming, fishing, or letting children play in the river, check with TCEQ for any current advisories. For fishing, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) may issue advisories about eating fish from certain water bodies. Check the TPWD fishing regulations and any posted signs at river access points.