Which agency has the authority for water pollution control in Texas?

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the state agency responsible for regulating water pollution control in Texas. Established in the early 1990s, TCEQ manages the state's water quality programs, ensuring compliance with both state and federal laws. This includes issuing permits for wastewater discharges, conducting inspections, and enforcing regulations to protect surface water and groundwater resources from pollution.

TCEQ's role involves collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which provides federal guidelines and oversight, but it is TCEQ that administers the specific implementation of these regulations at the state level. The agency is also involved in assessment and monitoring of the state’s water bodies to maintain their quality and respond to any pollution incidents.

The other entities mentioned have different scopes and responsibilities. The Texas Department of Environmental Protection does not exist under that name; it may be a confusion with TCEQ. The Texas Water Development Board focuses primarily on water resource planning and infrastructure rather than direct pollution control. In contrast, the EPA oversees national environmental policies but does not engage on a day-to-day basis with water quality issues in Texas, as that is the purview of the TCEQ.