What regulatory framework governs surface water quality in Texas?

The Texas Surface Water Quality Standards serve as the foundational regulatory framework guiding surface water quality in Texas. These standards are established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and delineate the state's goals for maintaining and improving the quality of surface waters. They incorporate criteria for various water bodies, which include designated uses such as recreational, aquatic life support, and drinking water supply.

By setting specific water quality criteria and providing a structure for water quality monitoring and assessment, these standards help ensure that the surface waters in Texas are protected from pollution and meet the necessary quality requirements for their designated uses. The standards also lay the groundwork for establishing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and implementing necessary actions to address water quality impairments when conditions do not meet state standards.

In contrast, while the Clean Water Act provides an overarching federal framework for controlling water pollution and protecting water quality across the United States, it is the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards that specifically address the regulatory needs at the state level. The Safe Drinking Water Act primarily focuses on the quality of drinking water rather than surface water, and the National Environmental Policy Act is concerned with environmental impact assessments rather than directly regulating water quality. Thus, the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards are the most relevant and specific to