Protecting Eagle Mountain Lake Together: Updating the Watershed Protection Plan and SEML’s Commitment
By Cary Lewis, President, Save Eagle Mountain Lake, Inc.
Eagle Mountain Lake has always been at the heart of our community—a place to gather, fish, boat, and enjoy the outdoors. As our region continues to grow, protecting the health of this treasured resource requires collaboration, innovation, and proactive stewardship.
This year, the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD), in partnership with state and local agencies, has launched an effort to update and expand the existing Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) for Eagle Mountain Lake and its tributaries. This update will help ensure the plan reflects today’s conditions, new scientific data, and evolving community priorities.
What Is a Watershed Protection Plan?
A Watershed Protection Plan is a voluntary, community-driven strategy that:
Assesses the current health of the lake and surrounding creeks
Identifies sources of pollutants like bacteria, nutrients, and sediment
Sets measurable goals to improve water quality
Outlines best management practices (BMPs) that landowners, agencies, and organizations can adopt
Provides a framework to secure state and federal funding to implement solutions
In Eagle Mountain Lake’s case, the updated plan focuses on significant water quality challenges, including bacteria from failing septic systems and livestock runoff, nutrient loading that can fuel algae blooms, and sedimentation that reduces lake capacity and habitat quality.
SEML’s Role as a Stakeholder Committee Member
Save Eagle Mountain Lake (SEML) is proud to serve on the WPP Stakeholder Committee alongside other dedicated organizations, local governments, and technical experts. Our role is to represent the voices of lake residents, recreational users, and the broader community, ensuring that this update reflects real-world experiences and community needs.
Through this process, SEML is committed to:
Sharing local knowledge about how runoff and pollution impact the lake
Raising awareness about best management practices homeowners and landowners can adopt
Advocating for funding solutions to help residents repair or upgrade older septic systems
Promoting education campaigns on topics like pet waste disposal, erosion control, and responsible development
Building partnerships to protect water quality now and in the future
What’s Next?
The WPP update is moving into its final development stages. Once complete, it will serve as a roadmap for coordinated action across the entire watershed. TRWD plans to hold periodic progress meetings, host educational workshops, and work closely with all stakeholders to track improvements over time.
At SEML, we are preparing to:
Update our website with resources for residents and landowners
Create educational brochures and mailouts to share actionable tips
Support grant applications and funding opportunities for septic system upgrades and other BMPs
Continue serving as a bridge between the community and agencies working to protect Eagle Mountain Lake
How You Can Help
Protecting the lake is something we can all be part of. Here are a few ways you can help:
Maintain your septic system and have it inspected regularly
Always pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly
Use fertilizers sparingly and follow label instructions
Plant native vegetation along shorelines to reduce erosion
Stay informed and engaged with SEML and local watershed efforts
Together, we can ensure Eagle Mountain Lake remains clean, safe, and beautiful for generations to come.
If you would like to learn more about the Watershed Protection Plan update or how you can get involved, please contact Cary Lewis - cary@seml.org.