SAN MARCOS— With the Rio Grande coming under increasing pressure from all quarters, the future of the river and its water will be examined during a one-day water-quality workshop at the International Museum of Art and Science in McAllen on Saturday, Aug. 14.

Sponsored by the International Museum of Art and Science, the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Texas Watch, the forum will examine the relationship between water quality and water quantity, the human health issues related to the river, and the impact of invasive species.

Today, the Rio Grande's legacy of providing an abundant source of clean and affordable drinking water legacy faces significant challenges. Rapid population growth and urban expansion creates nonpoint source pollution (NPS). NPS occurs when storm water carries oil, grease, pesticides and other pollutants to our creeks and rivers. NPS threatens water quality and potentially increases the cost of water.

During the workshop, distinguished presenters will address NPS as well as other issues such as:

• American Heritage Rivers Program Adele Cardenas, US Environmental Protection Agency
• History of Water Quality and Quantity Carlos Rubinstein, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
• Water Issues in the Lower Rio Grande Basin, Wayne Belzer, US International Boundary and Water Commission
• Watershed Protection Plan for the Arroyo Colorado Roger Miranda, TCEQ
• The Impact of Aquatic Weeds on Water Resources Dr. Earl Chilton, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• Infrastructure and Wastewater in the Colonias Jaime Longoria, Secretary of State
• Water Quality Management Programs for Agriculture Andy Garza, Soil and Water Conservation Board
• Environmental Education Programs at the IMAS Raquel Hinojosa, IMAS
• Environmental Education Program in Laredo Ivan Santoyo, City of Laredo
• ?No La Riegues?--Water Quality Outreach in the Rio Grande Valley Don Medina, City of Pharr

For registration information, please contact Texas Watch Program Administrator Terry Wendland, at (877) 506-1401 or TW05@txstate.edu.

Texas Watch is a joint partnership of the TCEQ, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Texas State University-San Marcos Department of Geography, with the mission of expanding understanding and awareness of water quality and NPS issues across Texas. Through education, data collection, and community action, Texas Watch facilitates environmental stewardship by empowering a statewide network of concerned volunteers and partners in a collaborative effort to promote a healthy and safe environment. For more information, visit the Texas Watch web site at http://www.texaswatch.geo.txstate.edu.