2014 Texas Surface Water Quality Standards
Links to information about the 2014 revision of the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards.
On this page:
TCEQ Adopted 2014 Revisions to the Standards
On February 12, 2014, the Commissioners adopted revisions to the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, as codified by rule in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30, Chapter 307. The 2014 Standards became effective as a state rule on March 6, 2014.
TCEQ submitted the 2014 Standards revisions and supporting documentation to EPA for review and approval on April 23, 2014. EPA provides notice to TCEQ whenever approval or other actions are taken on portions of the revised standards. EPA must approve the 2014 Standards before they may be used in federal permitting programs and for other Clean Water Act purposes.
TCEQ uses provisions from the 1997 and subsequent revisions of the Standards in administering its federal permitting programs, depending on which provisions from each revision year EPA has approved. A webpage for each Standards revision year describes what actions EPA has taken for that revision and what items are still pending EPA action. If EPA either disapproves or is still reviewing a portion of the Standards, the language of the prior revision year remains in effect for CWA purposes.
Back to topEPA Review of the 2014 Water Quality Standards
On April 23, 2014, TCEQ submitted a package in support of the adopted revisions to EPA. EPA completed two action letters dated September 23, 2014 and January 6, 2020. These letters do not address all outstanding portions of the rule requiring EPA review. Major sections still under consideration by the EPA include several revised site-specific criteria in Appendix A and Appendix D, several revised segment boundary descriptions in Appendix C, and several site-specific recreational uses and criteria for unclassified water bodies in Appendix G.
A highlighted version of the 2014 Standards rule language shows on which sections of the standards EPA has acted. A key at the beginning of the document specifies what portions of the 2014 Standards EPA has approved, disapproved, taken no action on, or is still reviewing. This document will be updated as additional EPA action letters are received.
EPA’s September 23, 2014 letter- EPA’s November 2, 2018 letter
- EPA's January 6, 2020 letter
- EPA's March 19, 2020 letter
- EPA's May 19, 2020 letter
- Highlighted version of the rule language*
*Disclaimer: The rules TCEQ makes available on this site are not a substitute for the official rules as approved and filed with the Office of the Secretary of State. See full disclaimer. Email the Secretary of State's Office to obtain official copies of TCEQ rules.
The 2014 Standards and Associated Documents
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Hearing Notice
- Printer friendly version of the
2014 Standards
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Executive Summary of Rule Amendment
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Final Preamble to Chapter 307 Rule Amendment
The preamble describes the Water Quality Standards rule amendment which the Commission adopted, provides other information required under state law, and includes a detailed response to all public comments. - Public Hearing on October 17, 2013
*Disclaimer: The rules TCEQ makes available on this site are not a substitute for the official rules as approved and filed with the Office of the Secretary of State. See full disclaimer. Email the Secretary of State's Office to obtain official copies of TCEQ rules.
Contact the Standards Group
For more information about the Water Quality Standards (30 TAC Chapter 307), please email standards@tceq.texas.gov, or call the Water Quality Planning Division at 512-239-6682. You may also send a fax to 512-239-4410 or mail to TCEQ, MC-234, PO BOX 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087.