The BRIDGES Program Project Updates
Austin’s Colony Drinking Water Project
UT ESI, Far East CDC and PODER partnered to investigate water quality issues. The study (see below), published in PLOS Water, shows that tap water samples have concentrations of several heavy metals, including lead, exceeding regulatory standards for drinking water. They shared their findings with the public and residents of Austin’s Colony by co-hosting a community meeting. Researchers and community experts answered communities’ questions on how to further their study and support communities concerns.
- Peer-reviewed publication in journal PLOS Water (linked here)
- Community Meeting June 2026: A community facing public meeting was held at Hornsby Bend Community Health Center (images below). Over 60 people attended and asked how to further engage with the study and protect their health from contaminated water.
Boggy Creek Stormwater Quality
Boggy Creek, located in East Austin, is one of the most urbanized watersheds in Austin, yet community members recall that, fifty years ago, it was a valuable place for recreation, fishing, and other cultural activities. ESI researchers investigated water quality in Boggy Creek for more than a year and detected supply water (i.e., drinking water) and wastewater leaks at two locations within the watershed. Through collaboration with the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department, a leak in a private wastewater line was identified and repaired, leading to a significant improvement in the creek’s water quality. This approach can be applied to other systems to advance environmental health and community resilience.
- National conference presentation Pagán González, Fernando J., Bahamón-Pinzón, David, Siegel, Helen G., Banner, Jay L. Impacts of Degrading Municipal Water Infrastructure on Resilience in a Water Stressed Region.
- Manuscript in review
- Field Images (see below)