Water has a significant role in society, whether through human consumption or agricultural use. The Lavaca Watershed is an agricultural community affected by nonpoint source pollution, and water quality protection is of high concern. Beef cattle operations are linked to nonpoint source pollution which contaminates surrounding water sources. If proper grazing management practices are not used, wastes from the operation impair water quality in the area. Landowners should use proper stocking rates and implement best management practices to benefit land and water quality in addition to overall operation profit. Females reported a higher intention to adopt, indicating these respondents are more open to practice changes on their own operation. Results indicated a need for the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board to conduct further outreach to increase interaction with landowners. NRCS agencies could help increase the use of water conservation plans and inquiries by making this clear to current landowners participating in their program as well as potential clients by sending informational flyers or speaking at local organizational gatherings. The importance of adopting water management practices and barriers to adoption are ongoing global concerns.
N onpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water quality impairments in the United States, and Texas waters are monitored for and impacted by point and nonpoint source pollution (U.S. EPA 2017). In Texas, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) are responsible for maintaining and improving water quality through many programs including the Clean Rivers Program, the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program, and the Texas Nonpoint Source Management Program (TCEQ 2020). The Texas Integrated Report, delivered in compliance with the federal Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d), evaluates the state's natural surface waters' quality based on historical records and criteria aligning with the Texas surface water quality standards (TCEQ 2019b). Water bodies not meeting the established water quality standards
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