Nueces River Water Quality Update — September 27, 2025

Overview

Field data collected on September 27, 2025, from three locations along the Nueces River documents current salinity, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS) levels. Readings were taken to continue tracking upstream-to-downstream conditions and to compare water quality shifts following the previous week’s changes in well activity and rainfall.

Today’s values show consistent patterns with prior sampling: fresh to slightly brackish water upstream, and higher TDS near discharge areas and downstream at Hazel Bazemore Park.

Field Measurements — September 27, 2025

Upstream (10:29 AM)
Salinity: 0.6 ppt
TDS: 810 mg/L
Temperature: 82.9°F

Well Cluster Discharge (10:42 AM)
Salinity: 3.2 ppt
TDS: 3,802 mg/L
Temperature: 81.0°F

Hazel Bazemore Boat Ramp (9:57 AM)
Salinity: 1.0 ppt
TDS: 1,314 mg/L
Temperature: 83.6°F

Instrument Used: YSI Pro30 Water Quality Meter

Upstream Measurement (10:29 AM)

Reading taken upstream from the Eastern Well Field: 0.6 ppt salinity, 810 mg/L TDS, 82.9°F. Water remains fresh to slightly brackish

Well Cluster Discharge (10:42 AM)

Discharge area showing elevated TDS and salinity at 3.2 ppt and 3,802 mg/L, respectively. Temperature measured at 81°F.

Hazel Bazemore Boat Ramp (9:57 AM)

Slightly brackish conditions recorded downstream near Calallen with 1.0 ppt salinity, 1,314 mg/L TDS, and 83.6°F.

Discharge Area Overview (10:40 AM)

Visual of the well discharge site taken near the same time as readings, showing active surface flow over rocks and vegetation.

Analysis

Results from September 27 reflect continued moderate salinity and TDS increases near the well field discharge. The upstream site remains fresh with minimal dissolved solids, while downstream at Hazel Bazemore, slightly brackish conditions persist.

These observations align with previous days’ findings — particularly the influence of local discharge and natural river flow variability. Monitoring remains important for identifying both short-term and seasonal changes within the lower Nueces River.

Why This Matters

Tracking daily field readings helps establish a record of water quality behavior over time. Consistent measurement of TDS, salinity, and temperature supports transparency and helps inform future conservation and groundwater management strategies.