Water Quality

The Water Quality Program works with local, state and federal agencies to ensure that the needs of fish, wildlife, and aquatic resources are considered in water quality planning and permitting activities at both statewide and local levels. A department-wide Water Quality Team, consisting primarily of staff from the Inland and Coastal Fisheries divisions, coordinates review, assessment and response to a wide range of water quality issues to ensure the water quality in our streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal systems can support healthy and diverse ecosystems.
To accomplish this broader goal, the Water Quality Program helps direct water quality policies that may affect fish and wildlife resources of the state; conducts special studies, develops assessment methods, and contributes research information to partner agencies when a water quality concern or potential concern has been identified by TPWD staff or by agency partners in an area of special concern for the Department; reviews and evaluates state wastewater permits, water quality standards, Total Maximum Daily Loads, Watershed Protection Plans, and related water quality matters to ensure the protection of aquatic life resources and to ensure the enjoyment of TPWD properties by the public via contact recreation opportunities; and assists in the monitoring and assessment of water quality and aquatic resources after a harmful algal bloom, fish kill, spill, or other pollution complaint investigation.