Floods: Drinking Water, Debris, and Other Environmental Concerns

Steps and resources for ensuring safe drinking water and managing debris in the aftermath of a flood. Also, resources on damage at wastewater treatment plants and debris for local authorities.

If you have questions, call the TCEQ regional office that serves your county. Also, be sure to check with local authorities for their guidance.

Governor Abbott’s Disaster Declaration Regarding July 2026 Flooding

TCEQ Flood Resources (GI-652) – resources for small businesses and local governments

Floods: Water Quality in Lakes, Rivers, and Streams (GI-653) – information for everyone

Drinking Water

Before a flood, be sure your public drinking water system is ready.

After a flood, determine if your water is safe to drink:

Checklist for operators of public water systems
Advice for customers of public water systems
Advice for disinfecting your own well

Debris

Follow these guidelines to dispose of flood wastes properly:

Think Recycling First

Much of the metal, brick, and other debris left in a flood's wake might be recyclable.

Before you haul anything to a recycling center, call to find out:

What materials they will accept
Whether they will accept materials damaged by water
Whether they charge a fee for recycling (This depends on the material and its condition. If the material is valuable enough, they might pay you for it.)

See TCEQ’s webpage about recycling options.

Cleaning Up Debris

Remember, some of the debris could be recyclable. Follow these guidelines to separate debris according to type and dispose of it properly:

Hauling Flood-Related Debris to the Curb in Participating Areas — Illustration of the correct way to separate and haul debris to the curb to help speed removal.
Managing Debris from Declared Disasters (RG-518) — Regulatory guidance on debris management.
- Setting Up a Temporary Debris Management Site (RG-518a) — Managing debris from a declared disaster.
- Request for Approval of Temporary Debris Management Site (TCEQ-20660) — This form is used by local authorities to ask for permission to set up debris-collection stations
Disposing of Animal Carcasses Left Behind by a Declared Disaster (RG-591) — Regulatory guidance on the safe and proper disposal of large animal carcasses.

Find an Appropriate Landfill

Many kinds of waste should be taken to a landfill:

Active municipal solid waste landfills (GI-611) — List of landfills, including types of waste accepted.
Municipal Solid Waste Facilities Viewer — Locate MSW landfills and transfer stations on a map.

Outdoor Burning

Outdoor Burning in Texas (RG-049) — Helps you interpret the Outdoor Burning Rule (30 TAC 111.201-221).