National Wetland Condition Assessment

Purpose/Objectives

The Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) is conducting the National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA) for Texas by sampling 34 sites across the state in the summer of 2026. As part of the National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS), this project is a national assessment coordinated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in collaboration with state, Tribal, federal, and other partners to examine the ecological condition of the nation’s wetlands.

The sampling design for NWCA is a probability-based network that provides statistically accurate health estimates for a population of wetlands with known confidence. Several methods are used to maximize the detection of anthropogenic stressors through the evaluation of indicators, including vegetation, physical alterations, hydrology, soils, surface water chemistry, and algae.

Study Area

Texas

Project Period

2026

Description

The three primary goals of the NWCA statistical survey are designed to:

• Produce a national report that describes the quality of the nation's wetlands;
• Help states and Tribes implement wetland monitoring and assessment programs to guide policy development and project decision-making; and
• Advance the science of wetlands monitoring and assessment.

Project Sponsors and Partners

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Related links

EPA: National Wetland Condition Assessment