Nueces River Authority

Water Quality Division

The Coastal Bend Division of the Nueces River Authority (NRA) is responsible for the development and implementation of water quality programs.  NRA has been involved in the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Clean Rivers Program since its inception in 1997.  Today, NRA conducts field analysis, water sampling and analysis in the Nueces River basin, as well as the Lower Rio Grande and San Antonio-Nueces Coastal basins.  NRA also works with TCEQ and EPA to implement the Petronila Creek Water Shed Protection Plan and conducts field analysis and sampling in Baffin Bay and its tributaries.  This division also manages the On-Site Septic Facilities (OSSF) program in the Nueces Basin.   This division works closely with the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, the City of Corpus Christi, and others to protect our  rivers, creeks, streams and lakes.       

Sam Sugarek

Director – Coastal Bend Division

 Sam Sugarek is a Corpus Christi native.  He graduated from King High School and attended Texas A&M Corpus Christi graduating with a Bachelor of Environmental Biology, and a Master of Environmental Science.

Sam began his career as a technician in the Pharmaceutical Quality Control Laboratory.  He moved to the Nueces River Authority as a Aquatic Resource Specialist in 2000.  Sam was promoted to Director of Water Quality Programs and continues in that capacity with responsibility for the Coastal Bend Division programs and office.  Sam reports to the Deputy Executive Director.