Watershed Protection

Princeton’s watershed begins with Tickey Creek and ends up at Lake Lavon. Eventually, water from Lake Lavon ends up at the Trinity River. Texas Parks and Wildlife offers this great map to view the watershed. Click here to see the watershed. on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Texas Watershed Viewer.

Watershed Map (PNG)

  • The sub-watershed is Tickey Creek – Lavon Lake.
  • The watershed is Pilot Grove Creek – Lavon Lake
  • The river sub-basin is East Fork Trinity.
  • The river basin is the Trinity River Basin.

What we do on land ultimately impacts these different waterways


Importance of Water Ways


Importance of Water Ways Image (PNG)Drinking Water

Tickey Creek empties into Lavon Lake. Princeton’s MS4s (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems) also drain into Lavon Lake, untreated.

We get most of our drinking water in this area supplied from Lavon Lake after cleaning through the North Texas Municipal Water District.

Recreational Use

Regard the last time you enjoyed a day by the lake or went fishing.

Potentially, you live near a body of water. Your kids may even swim in that water.

Wildlife Health

Are you a birder? Hiker? Nature-lover? Duck hunter? 

What we do has an effect far and wide. Polluting your backyard can negatively impact green spaces dedicated to protecting wildlife.


When homes and businesses are developed, the space which used to be pervious (or able to absorb water easily) becomes more and more impervious (or unable to absorb water). This increases the surface level water runoff during rain events.

There are ways to increase the pervious spaces of your home.

  • Planting native can reduce the amount of water and fertilizers needed to maintain your garden, reducing potential runoff sources.
  • Utilizing green infrastructure (sometimes referred to as blue/green infrastructure) can assist in reducing stormwater runoff drastically and improve your landscape's water retention.
  • Planting a green roof. Refer to professionals when considering options that can impact the stability of your home. 
  • Planting a rain gardenis a great option for any area in your yard or garden space where water regularly puddles. Rain gardens are meant to retain water in the ground, so choose a low point on your property to plant your garden and choose plants that are good for water intake. Some are listed below…

Storm drains head straight to Lake Lavon. 

That means anything that goes down the storm drain goes into our drinking water. Keep storm drains clean, sweep alongside them when you see build-up and keep the following clear from your drains:

  • Dirt, Fertilizer, Herbicides, and Pesticides When used in excess, these chemicals can wash right off your lawn and into the storm drain. Use them sparingly!
  • Grass Clippings Grass clippings contain phosphorous which can be harmful to stormwater. Dispose of your clippings properly!
  • Pet Waste Pet waste carries harmful bacteria for humans and the environment. Always scoop your pet's poop!
  • Trash Litter and debris can cause storm drain blockages and wildlife can mistake it for food. Pick up after yourself!

The above pollutants harm the quality of surface water and drinking water; damage wildlife habitats, and can make recreational bodies of water unsafe. Stormwater pollution can be lessened and controlled if everyone plays a part in preventing these substances from entering the storm drains.

Riparian Impact

You’ll notice along Tickey Creek is heavy greenery. This is on purpose. Near all creeks and rivers is riparian zones. These areas have dense foliage and are important for water filtration, reducing erosion, and maintaining water quality.

J.M. Caldwell Sr Community Park / P.O.W. Camp underwent a Riparian Restoration effort in 2022. Click below to view content from the From Forests to Faucets Tickey Creek Tree Planting Event.

 Forests to Faucets Tickey Creek Tree Planting Event Image 1 (JPG)

NTMWD-Stormwater-graphic (PNG)