Which entity is primarily responsible for water pollution control in Texas?

• A. Environmental Protection Agency
• B. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• C. Texas Department of State Health Services
• D. Texas Department of Transportation

Answer: (B)

Water pollution control in Texas is primarily handled by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. This state agency creates and enforces water quality rules, administers the wastewater discharge permit program (TPDES, aligned with the federal NPDES system), and conducts monitoring and enforcement to keep pollutants from harming rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The federal Environmental Protection Agency sets nationwide standards and provides oversight, but the day-to-day regulation and enforcement within Texas fall to the TCEQ. The other agencies have related roles—environmental health concerns and public health aspects of water fall under the health department, while transportation focuses on roads and infrastructure—not water pollution regulation.