Public Education

Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered the State of Texas to improve the quality of stormwater runoff. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) issued the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) General Permit Number TXR040000 (the permit) on January 24, 2019, with an effective date of January 24, 2019. This permit regulates stormwater that discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s).

Did you know that stormwater currently receives no treatment? Unlike wastewater, which undergoes extensive filtration and purification processes at treatment plants, stormwater flows directly into our bayous, rivers, and bays without any form of cleaning or processing. This means that any pollutants, such as oil, chemicals, litter, or pet waste, that enter the stormwater drainage system are carried untreated into local waterways.

Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit
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Standards of water quality affect every resident in your District. In an effort to improve the water quality of our streams, this Permit encourages public awareness and environmental stewardship. Non-allowable discharges, such as grass clippings, tree trimmings, oils, and grease are a violation of the permit and your District’s rate order. Making an illegal discharge is punishable by fines or water service termination. If you see any spills or illegal dumping into the storm drains, your Operator or Storm Water Solutions should be contacted as soon as possible. You can also use Cleanbayous.org to file a report or to find additional information about stormwater quality.

10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution

  • Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters
  • Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams
  • Vegetate bare spots in your yard
  • Compost your yard waste
  • Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems
  • Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider a rain garden to capture runoff
  • Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway
  • Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil
  • Pick up after your pet
  • Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly