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Questions or Comments: tmdl@tceq.texas.gov

Houston-Galveston Region BIG

The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria levels in waterways of the Houston area to make them safer for recreation. The stakeholders of the Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG) and the TCEQ developed total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for numerous river and lake segments and a regional Implementation Plan (I-Plan), which together are the road map to improving water quality. The TCEQ has adopted the TMDLs and approved the Implementation Plan.

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Houston-Galveston BIG Project Navigation

Overview

Water quality testing found that bacteria concentrations are elevated in numerous waterways in the Houston–Galveston region. High bacteria concentrations might pose a risk to people who swim or wade in natural waters. Swimming and wading are called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality; the term refers to all recreation in which people are likely to swallow natural waters.

The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria concentrations and protect recreational safety. This project included 72 TMDLs for 60 waterway segments. Several TMDLs and segments have been added since the Implementation Plan was completed.

Watershed Counties: Brazoria, Harris, Fort Bend, Grimes, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Walker, and Waller

Parameter: Bacteria

Get Involved

The Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG) is coordinating public participation in improving Houston-area waterways. Meetings of the BIG are open to everyone. Meeting records are available on the BIG’s website . Find out more about what it means to Participate in TMDL Projects.

BIG Spring meeting 2025 NEW

The purpose of the meeting is to provide TMDL updates related to the BIG area.

Jun 03, 2025 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM (America/Chicago / UTC-500)

H-GAC - Conference Rooms B&C, 3555 Timmons Ln., Houston, 77027, Harris

View TCEQ’s Central Calendar

Partners

San Jacinto River Authority
Houston-Galveston Area Council
Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Harris County
Montgomery County
Harris County Flood Control District
Harris County Soil & Water Conservation District #442
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
City of Conroe
City of Houston
City of League City
City of Webster
Cypress Creek Flood Control Coalition
Nottingham Country

Municipal Utility District
Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority
Bayou Preservation Association
Galveston Bay Foundation
Greater Houston Partnership
Houston Audubon Society
Dodson & Associates, Inc./HCEC
Pate Engineers
The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency
AECOM
Schwartz, Page, & Harding, LLP
LDP Consultants Inc.
Texas Coastal Partners
Lone Star College
US Geological Survey

 

Contact the TMDL Program

Please contact Steven Johnston, the Project Manager at the H-GAC, at 713-627-3200 or email Steven Johnston. You may also e-mail tmdl@tceq.texas.gov and mention the Houston-Galveston bacteria project in the subject line. Reach the TMDL Program by phone at 512-239-6682.

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