News from the Texas TMDL Program
News announcements including proposed TMDLs or I-Plans for public comment, adopted TMDLs or approved I-Plans, and training opportunities.
The TMDL Program sets targets for improved quality in surface waters. Communities in the watersheds work together to develop implementation plans (I-Plans) to achieve those targets.
Adopted TMDLs
The Commission adopted Five TMDLs for Indicator Bacteria in the Mustang, Persimmon, and New Bayou Watersheds on Aug 6, 2025. Read more about this project on the Mustang Bayou project page.
The Commission adopted Two TMDLs for Indicator Bacteria in the Halls Bayou Tidal and Willow Bayou Watersheds on July 23, 2025. Read more about this project on the Halls Bayou and Willows Bayou project page.
The Commission adopted One TMDL for Poenisch Park on Aug. 6, 2025. It will be sent to EPA for approval, and once approved, it will become an update to the state’s Water Quality Management Plan. Read more on the Corpus Christi Beaches project page.
Approved I-Plans
On Aug. 6, 2025, the Commission approved the Implementation Plan for Seven Total Maximum Daily Loads for Indicator Bacteria in the Corpus Christi Region. Read more on the Corpus Christi Beaches project page.
Community stakeholders worked together to create Implementation Plans for three TMDL projects, which the Commission approved on July 9, 2025:
Revisions to TMDLs
From time to time, it is necessary to revise TMDLs to account for changing conditions in the watershed. Revisions to the load allocations in TMDLs are made via the State’s Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP), which is updated quarterly.
The WQMP provides projected effluent limits for use in planning and permitting activities under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES). The TCEQ reviews all applications for new and amended permits for conformance with applicable portions of the WQMP, including adopted TMDLs.
Information about how to view and comment on the latest draft WQMP Update will be posted on this page quarterly, so check back here for more details!
Training, Events, and Workshops
Texas A&M offers several opportunities for training in various aspects of Watershed Planning .
Texas Water Resources Institute offers training in Urban Riparian and Stream Restoration .
Texas AgriLife's Watershed Steward Program offers an online course .
NRCS Texas accepting applications for the Petronila Creek Nutrient Reduction Project NEW
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas is accepting applications for the Petronila Creek Nutrient Reduction Project in Nueces County, Texas. Through funding provided by the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA), this project provides financial assistance to agricultural producers to improve water quality through the development and implementation of conservation plans and practices.
To be eligible you must own or operate agricultural lands in Nueces County, Texas, within three priority HUC-12 watersheds: City of Concordia-Petronila Creek, Gertrude Lubby Lake-Petronila Creek and Chapman Ranch Lake-Petronila Creek.
To apply, contact NRCS staff at the Robstown Service Center, 548 S. Highway 77, Suite B, Robstown, Texas, or by phone at 361-387-2533, ext 3.
Upcoming Meetings
Check back here for information on stakeholder and public comment meetings.
Chocolate Bayou Public Comment Meeting for Draft I-Plan NEW
The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the draft I-Plan for nine assessment units: Chocolate Bayou Tidal (1107_01), Chocolate Bayou Above Tidal (1108_01), Mustang Bayou (2432A_01, 2432A_02 and 2432A_03), Willow Bayou (2432B_01), Halls Bayou Tidal (2432C_01), Persimmon Bayou Tidal (2432D_01), and New Bayou Tidal (2432E_01).
- https://www.tceq.texas.gov/waterquality/tmdl/nav/public-comment-meeting-for-draft-i-plan
- Public Comment Meeting for Draft I-Plan
- 2026-01-22T18:00:00-06:00
- 2026-01-22T19:00:00-06:00
- The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the draft I-Plan for nine assessment units: Chocolate Bayou Tidal (1107_01), Chocolate Bayou Above Tidal (1108_01), Mustang Bayou (2432A_01, 2432A_02 and 2432A_03), Willow Bayou (2432B_01), Halls Bayou Tidal (2432C_01), Persimmon Bayou Tidal (2432D_01), and New Bayou Tidal (2432E_01).
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026
6–7 p.m.
Stakeholders can submit comments on the document through the comment portal. All written comments must be received at TCEQ by Feb. 3, 2026.
Draft Implementation Plan for Nine TMDLs for Indicator Bacteria in the Chocolate Bay Watershed
- Chocolate Bay draft I-Plan public notice (English)
- Chocolate Bay draft I-Plan public notice (Spanish)
Tarkington and Luce Stakeholder Meeting NEW
Join us for the inaugural stakeholder meeting for the Tarkington Bayou and Luce Bayou Projects.- https://www.tceq.texas.gov/waterquality/tmdl/nav/tarkington-bayou-and-luce-bayou/tarkington-and-luce-stakeholder-meeting
- Tarkington and Luce Stakeholder Meeting
- 2026-02-11T14:00:00-06:00
- 2026-02-11T16:00:00-06:00
- Join us for the inaugural stakeholder meeting for the Tarkington Bayou and Luce Bayou Projects.
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026
2–4 p.m.
Civic Center
210 Peach Street
Cleveland, TX 77327
All public meetings about this project are open to anyone interested. Stay informed with upcoming meetings and meeting records on H-GAC’s webpage: Tarkington and Luce Bayous TMDL . Meetings and other updates will also be posted on this webpage.
Bessie's Creek Watershed Stakeholder Meeting
At this stakeholder meeting, we will discuss water quality within the Bessie’s Creek watershed, including Brookshire Creek. Discussion will cover concerns, impairments, and opportunities to improve.- https://www.tceq.texas.gov/waterquality/tmdl/bessies-creek/bessies-creek-watershed-stakeholder-meeting
- Bessie's Creek Watershed Stakeholder Meeting
- 2026-02-19T14:00:00-06:00
- 2026-02-19T16:00:00-06:00
- At this stakeholder meeting, we will discuss water quality within the Bessie’s Creek watershed, including Brookshire Creek. Discussion will cover concerns, impairments, and opportunities to improve.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026
2–4 p.m.
Simonton Community Church
9703 FM 1489
Simonton, TX 77476
Fort Bend County
All public meetings about this project are open to anyone. Watch for meeting announcements on the TCEQ Bessie's Creek project page and H-GAC's Bessie’s Creek webpage .
Contact Us
Please email tmdl@tceq.texas.gov or call 512-239-6682.
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