TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD (TMDL)

The TMDL is the amount of a pollutant a stream can assimilate and still meet State water quality standards. The Federal Clean Water Act requires that TMDLs be developed on all waterbodies that are impaired (listed on the EPA 303(d) list). Once TMDLs are established for a stream, steps can be taken (rigorous wastewater permit limits, abatement of storm water runoff, utilization of best management practices, etc.) to reduce pollutant levels, that will allow the stream to meet the Texas State Water Quality Standards.

The goal of a TMDL is to restore the full use of a water body that has limited quality in relation to one or more of its uses. The TMDL defines an environmental target and, based on that target, the state develops an implementation plan to mitigate anthropogenic (human-caused) sources of pollution within the watershed and restore full use of the water body. See TCEQ TMDL Website for further Information.