by Madison Myers
September 29, 2026
KYLE, Texas (KXAN) — The city of Kyle and Texas State University are partnering on a new research project that will test whether floating wetlands can help improve water quality at Lake Kyle and protect the surrounding Plum Creek Watershed.
Texas State University researcher Sangchul Hwang, Ph.D., P.E., is leading the three-year project, called “In-Reservoir Water Quality Management with Floating Wetlands.” Hwang received a $457,000 grant from the city of Kyle to conduct the research.
The project will deploy floating wetlands in Lake Kyle. Floating wetlands are buoyant platforms planted with wetland vegetation. The plant roots extend into the water, where they can absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
The roots also provide a place for microorganisms that can help break down pollutants, while the vegetation and root systems can trap suspended particles in the water.
Traditional water treatment methods primarily rely on mechanical equipment or chemicals, while floating wetlands use plants and natural processes to help clean the water. The systems can also be anchored directly in lakes and ponds without requiring additional land or major infrastructure.
Researchers said improving water quality at the lake could also benefit the surrounding Plum Creek Watershed. Plum Creek flows through Hays and Caldwell counties before eventually joining the San Marcos River.
The project comes as Kyle experiences significant population growth. U.S. Census Bureau estimates show the city’s population increased by 53% from 2020 to 2025, reaching 69,917 residents.
As development increases, stormwater runoff can carry sediment, nutrients, bacteria and other pollutants into local waterways.
The three-year project will test whether floating wetlands can be part of a nature-based approach to managing those water quality concerns at Lake Kyle.
