💦 Texas Surface Water Quality Standards Update

Last December, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved a limited set of site-specific criteria and Water-Effects Ratios (WERs) under the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards (TSWQS). The updates, issued in March and September 2025, are targeted and apply only in specific circumstances:
Applies only to copper
Applies only to certain designated segments

This means facilities will continue operating under the 2022 TSWQS numeric criteria, unless their permit references one of the few EPA-approved copper WERs or site-specific criteria.

Note: The EPA also issued decisions in June 2025 approving and disapproving portions of the 2022 TSWQS. These actions help determine which portions of Texas’ water quality standards are recognized for Clean Water Act purposes.

Have questions about how these updates could impact your facility or permit?

Rule Engineering assists clients in evaluating how updates to water quality standards may affect their permits, compliance obligations, and long-term regulatory strategy.

Sources:
– https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-12/documents/txwqs-wer.pdf
– https://www.epa.gov/wqs-tech/water-quality-standards-regulations-texas