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Headwaters at the Comal Kick Off Monitoring Efforts in New Braunfels

Headwaters at the Comal Kick Off Monitoring Efforts in New Braunfels

water monitoring in new braunfels
Newly minted citizen scientist, Rhonda Neal, conducts Standard Core water quality monitoring at the Headwaters of the Comal in New Braunfels, TX. Photo by Sandra Arismendez.

The Comal River is said to be “the heart and soul of New Braunfels.” A new Texas Stream Team monitoring group was established at the Headwaters at the Comal earlier this year. The vast interest in monitoring those waters is a tribute to the level of importance local volunteers place on the Comal River. The natural habitats of this 16-acre area are being restored to their natural state so that visitors and locals alike can learn, enjoy, and experience history and nature. One of the goals of the Headwaters is to strengthen the relationship between the community and nature by showcasing the significance of the Comal Springs.

On November 16, 2019, the Texas Stream Team, a volunteer citizen scientist water quality monitoring program, held a core training event at the Headwaters. Thirteen volunteers were trained in water quality monitoring by Texas Stream Team staff. The volunteers learned about pollutant sources, impacts to the flora and fauna, water quality parameters monitored and why they are important.

Many of us have been quarantined in our homes for weeks due to the COVID19 pandemic, so what better time to get outdoors and enjoy nature? On Wednesday, April 15th, Texas Stream Staff accompanied a newly minted Certified Texas Stream Team Citizen Scientist, Rhonda Neal, at the Headwaters at the Comal (while social distancing and taking necessary precautions) to conduct core water quality monitoring at two sites. One site is on Bleeder’s Creek and the other at Spring Run. This monitoring event was the group's first monitoring event. It was a very successful event and they are excited to get started with the monitoring. The new group has about a dozen volunteers and will be monitoring the two sites, twice a month.

The Texas Stream Team is planning to conduct an advanced water quality training event at the Headwaters later this summer when the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Check the Texas Stream Team website regularly for scheduling updates and registration information.