Water Quality Division

WQ Priority Watershed Projects

 
Fort Cobb Watershed 2001-2007

The objective of the Fort Cobb Reservoir Watershed Implementation Project was to reduce phosphorous loading by 70% to Fort Cobb Reservoir and its watershed. Sources of phosphorous included cropland erosion, riparian erosion, septic systems, and livestock waste management. 

To reduce phosphorous, the project provided technical and cost-share assistance to landowners who installed BMPs to reduce soil erosion and phosphorous runoff from their land. The most popular BMP was converting cropland to pastureland by planting Bermuda grass. 

In total, 128 landowners contributed $522,907 to install 198 BMPs on their property. The project used targeting, planning, education, demonstration, and implementation to focus on the most significant sources of pollution in the watershed. Water quality monitoring data collected throughout and after the project will be analyzed in 2010 to determine water quality improvements.

Fort Cobb Project 2005-2009

This project is in progress and is expected to further reduce nutrient and sediment loading to streams in the watershed by promoting the practice of no-till agriculture. Results from this project are expected to be seen in the 2010 data analysis. As of September 2007, there are $330,000 left to be obligated to BMPs. Publicity and landowner sign-ups are ongoing.