Total Maximum Daily Load Program: Communities Working Together to Improve Water Quality
A TMDL is a scientifically-derived target for water quality that tells us the greatest amount of a particular substance that can be added to a water body without compromising its health. The TMDL gives us a measurable goal to protect and improve the quality of our streams, lakes, and bays.
Substances considered in a TMDL are not necessarily harmful in and of themselves. For example, bacteria occur naturally in both human and animal waste, but too much bacteria can make it more hazardous to swim in a creek, lake, or bay — activities called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality.
Projects of the TMDL Program
Find impaired or threatened water bodies where the TMDL program is protecting people and aquatic species by reducing pollution.
TMDLs and their Implementation
Learn what a TMDL is and how TCEQ and stakeholders make a difference in the quality of our water bodies.
Developing TMDL Projects
Read guidelines for organizations that develop or implement TMDLs in Texas.
Summary of Completed TMDLs and I-Plans
After a TMDL is complete, I-Plan development or approval may be incomplete. This downloadable spreadsheet includes dates of adoption or approval by the commission and EPA.
News and Upcoming Meetings
Read the latest about TMDLs, I-Plans, and water quality.
Participating in TMDL Projects
Get involved in your watershed.
Get TMDL News Updates
Sign up to receive updates about meetings, projects, proposal requests, grant opportunities, or other water quality news. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Texas Integrated Report
Review a list of water bodies with Category 4- and 5 impairments in the EPA-approved Texas Integrated Report of Surface Water Quality.
Preserving and Improving Water Quality
Read an overview of how TCEQ defines, measures, evaluates, and manages the quality of surface waters in Texas.
Watershed Action Planning
Review strategies and plans for protecting and improving the quality of the state's streams, lakes, and estuaries.
Hydrography Data and Map-Based Data Viewers
Access GIS-based data viewers and GIS data for classified segments and other surface water information.
Please email tmdl@tceq.texas.gov or call us at 512-239-6682.
