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Questions or Comments: pdws@tceq.texas.gov

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, Title 30 Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC), Chapter 290 . The applicable three subchapters are listed below but can be accessed in the link above.

The rules in 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.

The rules in 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.

The rules in 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

Requirements for water districts, 30 TAC Chapter 293 . Visit Water Districts or call (512) 239-4691 if you have questions.  

Requirements for occupational licenses including water operators, 30 TAC Chapter 30, Subchapter K . Visit Occupational Licensing or call (512) 239-6133 if you have questions.  

Requirements for 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.

Requirements for utilities and water supply corporations, visit Public Utility Commission or call (512) 936-7000.  

Assistance and Helpful Links

Find out if you are operating a public water system (PWS) and required to follow rules for public water systems.
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 Watch 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.