Rules for Public Water Systems
Rules that apply to public water systems in Texas
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is responsible for enforcing rules about public water systems in Texas. The three applicable subchapters are listed below and can be accessed in Title 30 Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC), Chapter 290 .
- 30 TAC Chapter 290, Subchapter D, Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems specify water treatment plant design, operation, and maintenance requirements for public water systems.
- 30 TAC Chapter 290, Subchapter F, Drinking Water Standards Governing Drinking Water Quality and Reporting Requirements for Public Water Systems describes the required sampling for primary and secondary contaminants, levels, and notification for public water systems.
- 30 TAC Chapter 290, Subchapter H, Consumer Confidence Reports describes the minimum requirements for the annual water quality report, also called the Consumer Confidence Report, that community public water systems must send to their customers.
Other Rules That Apply to Public Water Systems
- Water districts, 30 TAC Chapter 293 . Visit Water Districts or call 512-239-4691 if you have questions.
- Occupational licenses including water operators, 30 TAC Chapter 30, Subchapter K . Visit Occupational Licensing or call 512-239-6133 if you have questions.
- Water well drillers and pump installers, 16 TAC Part 4 Chapter 76 . Visit Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or call 1-800-803-9202 or 512-463-6599.
- Utilities and water supply corporations, visit Public Utility Commission or call 512-936-7000.
Assistance and Helpful Links
What is a Public Water System? Find out if you are operating a public water system (PWS) and required to follow rules for public water systems.
Operating a Public Water System More resources about how to operate a PWS, water quality requirements, and reporting requirements.
TCEQ's Financial, Managerial, and Technical (FMT) Assistance program offers free financial, managerial, and technical assistance to help public water and wastewater systems comply with regulations.
TCEQ's Drinking Water Viewer holds the information we have for your public water system and is open to the public. This has contact information, sample sites, sample results, violations, and public notice due dates.