Nueces River Water Quality Update — September 28, 2025

Overview

Field data collected on September 28, 2025, continues the daily water quality tracking efforts along the Nueces River in Nueces County, Texas. These readings document salinity, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS) at multiple key points — upstream near the well field, at the well discharge, and downstream at Hazel Bazemore Park.

Drone imagery was also captured of the Corpus Christi Water (CCW) Western and Eastern Well Fields to document current site conditions near FM 666 and CR 73.

Field Measurements — September 28, 2025

Upstream (10:00 AM)
Salinity: 0.6 ppt
TDS: 816 mg/L
Temperature: 81.6°F

Well Cluster Discharge (10:20 AM)
Salinity: 3.1 ppt
TDS: 3,780 mg/L
Temperature: 81.0°F

Hazel Bazemore Boat Ramp (10:45 AM)
Salinity: 0.9 ppt
TDS: 1,185 mg/L
Temperature: 83.1°F

Instrument Used: YSI Pro30 Water Quality Meter

Upstream Reading (10:00 AM)

0.6 ppt salinity, 816 mg/L TDS, and 81.6°F — fresh to slightly brackish water recorded upstream of the well field.

Well Cluster Discharge (10:20 AM)

Higher mineral concentration observed at the active discharge: 3.1 ppt salinity, 3,780 mg/L TDS, 81.0°F.

Hazel Bazemore Boat Ramp (10:45 AM)

Slightly brackish reading downstream near Calallen: 0.9 ppt salinity, 1,185 mg/L TDS, 83.1°F.

USGS Monitoring Data — Nueces River at Bluntzer (Station 08211200)

Date/Time: September 28, 2025, 9:00 PM CDT
Gage Height: 6.65 ft
Discharge: 40.5 cubic feet per second
Dissolved Oxygen: 7.6 mg/L
pH: 8.1
TDS (approx.): 793 mg/L
Water Temperature: 81.7°F
Specific Conductance: 1220 µS/cm @25°C

Data Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

USGS Gage Height Graph (Sept 21–28, 2025)

Shows gage height decrease from approximately 7.1 ft to 6.65 ft at the Bluntzer station.

USGS Conductivity Graph (Sept 21–28, 2025)

Specific conductance data showing stable conditions near 1220 µS/cm as of September 28, 2025.

Analysis

The September 28 measurements indicate consistent TDS and salinity levels compared to the previous days. Upstream water remains fresh to slightly brackish, while higher TDS values were recorded near the discharge at the well cluster site.

USGS data from the Bluntzer station shows a steady decline in gage height following earlier rises in late September, likely due to upstream flow regulation or reduced inflows. Conductivity values remain stable, aligning closely with observed TDS at nearby sampling points.

Well Field Observations

Drone photographs taken over the Corpus Christi Water (CCW) Western and Eastern Well Fields show both operational and non-operational wells. Wells 1 and 4, identified as single wells, were not producing at the time of observation.
The multi-well cluster site was observed to be active with visible discharge flow. These field visuals assist in verifying hydrological conditions and surface-level impacts near active water infrastructure.

Western Well Feild Drone Images

Eastern Well Field Drone Images

Why Monitoring Matters

Consistent, transparent monitoring allows agencies and the public to better understand fluctuations in water quality across the Nueces River Basin. Comparing field data with official USGS readings strengthens awareness of hydrologic patterns and helps promote sustainable water management practices for the region.