Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems

The rules and regulations for public water systems are established by the TCEQ in Title 30 Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC), Chapter 290.

The rules found in 30 TAC Chapter 290, Subchapter D, specify water treatment plant design, operation, and maintenance requirements for public water systems.

Rule: 30 TAC 290.38–47

The Drinking Water Standards Governing Drinking Water Quality and Reporting Requirements for Public Water Systems (30 TAC Chapter 290, Subchapter F) describe the minimum required sampling, levels, and notification for public water systems.

Rule: 30 TAC 290.101-122

30 TAC Chapter 290, Subchapter H, establishes the minimum requirements for the content of the Consumer Confidence Report, the annual report of drinking water quality that community public water systems must send to their customers.

Rule: 30 TAC 290.271-275

The EPA adopts rules under the Safe Drinking Water Act . The State of Texas must adopt regulations at least as stringent.

Other Rules That Apply to Public Water Systems

Public water systems should also be aware of other rules pertaining to drinking water that are contained in other parts of the Texas regulations. A public water system must comply with all the applicable requirements. Some examples of additional rules and their location within the regulations are:

• Requirements for water districts. Contact the Districts Section at 512/239-4691 if you have questions about these requirements. 30 TAC Chapter 293  
• Requirements for certification of water works operators. These requirements will be relocated to 30 TAC Chapter 290, Subchapter A, in the near future. The Operator Certification Team (512/239-6300) can answer questions about these requirements. 30 TAC Chapter 30, Subchapter K  
• Requirements for water well drillers and pump installers. If you have questions about these regulations, call the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at 1-800-803-9202 or 512/334-5540. 16 TAC Part 4 Chapter 76  

Who enforces these rules?

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is responsible for enforcing these rules in Texas. On September 1, 2002, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) became the TCEQ. This name change does not affect the permits, registrations, or any other paperwork or transactions any water system has had with this commission in the past.