Operating a Public Water System
Your source of water and all the equipment and pipes between it and the customer's meter--how to operate it to ensure the protection of public health.
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Am I a Public Water System?
Find out if you are operating a PWS and, if so, what requirements you must meet.
NEW Courtesy Compliance Reminders for Public Water System Operators
Receive courtesy reminders for important public water system compliance requirements and deadlines by text or email.
Operating a Surface Water Treatment Plant
Requirements for operating a surface water treatment plant (SWTP) for public water supply. Disinfection in a SWTP. Technologies for treating surface water.
Operating a Groundwater or Purchased-Water Treatment System
Requirements for operating a groundwater (GW) or purchased-water (PW) treatment system for public water supply. Disinfection operations, processes, and monthly operations report (MOR) for GW/PW treatment systems.
Technical Review and Assistance
Information for public water systems and their customers on technical issues and assistance to help understand how rules and regulations apply to each unique drinking water treatment case.
Featured Pages
TCEQ Water District Database (WDD)
Data, reports, maps, and reference materials of use to water districts in Texas.
Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems
Links to rules for operating a public water system.
Drinking Water: Consumer Concerns
Low pressure? Poor service? Is your water cloudy or colored? Does it smell bad? Is your supply contaminated? Identify the problem. Find out if it could affect your health. Learn more about notices or reports from your supplier.
Related Topics
Public Drinking Water Recognition Program
Public water systems that go above and beyond the minimum requirements can be recognized by the TCEQ for their efforts. Learn more about how to nominate and the criteria for recognition.
Technical Guidance for Public Water System Operators and Engineers
How to submit plans for public water system facilities. How to request an exception to design or capacity rules. Guidance documents describing how TCEQ handles technical issues.
Controlling Nitrification in Chloraminating Water Systems
How to detect and prevent the formation of nitrites and nitrates from residual chloramine disinfectant or free ammonia in a water distribution system.
Cross-Connection Control Program
Information for public water systems and their customers on identifying potential cross connections and preventing contamination from backflow into drinking-water systems.
Forms, Instructions, and Guidance for Surface Water Monthly Operating Reports (SWMORs)
Each public water system that operates a surface water treatment plant to produce drinking water from surface water, or from groundwater that is under the direct influence of surface water, must submit monthly data to the TCEQ. This page tells system operators how to choose the correct version of the Surface Water Monthly Operating Report (SWMOR).
Preparing Your Public Water System for a Natural Disaster
Tips to follow before a natural disaster strikes to ensure that your public water system suffers as little interruption of service as possible.
Public Water Supply Supervision Program
The TCEQ's responsibility and authority for regulating public water systems.
Public Water Supply: Compliance Resources
Information, guidance, and forms for public water systems in Texas.
Requesting an Exception to Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems
A public water system (PWS) that does not meet a TCEQ design standard may request an exception by proposing another way it can meet the intent of the rules. We review each exception request to ensure that, if granted, the PWS will still deliver safe drinking water to its customers at adequate pressures.
Rules and Guidance for Public Water Systems
Find the principal rules and related guidance for operators of public water systems in Texas.
Revised Total Coliform Rule
The Revised Total Coliform Rule requires all public water systems to monitor water in the distribution system for the presence of total coliform.
Lead and Copper Program for Drinking Water
The list of systems scheduled to sample this year, forms for sampling, how to find a laboratory, and all other questions concerning Lead and Copper tap water sampling and Water Quality Parameter sampling.
Public Drinking Water Conference 2021 Recordings
TCEQ held the public drinking water conference in August of 2021 and have uploaded the recordings for the presentations to YouTube.