Many businesses, property owners, and organizations in Texas may not realize that they operate a Public Water System (PWS) under state law. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), a PWS is defined as any water system that provides drinking water for at least 15 service connections or serves 25 or more people for at least 60 days per year. This broad definition includes not only cities and utilities, but also RV parks, mobile home communities, churches, schools, restaurants, factories, and other private properties with water distribution systems.
There are three main types of public water systems defined by the TCEQ:
- Community Water Systems – Serve people where they live (e.g., neighborhoods, mobile home parks).
- Non-Transient Non-Community Systems – Serve the same group regularly but not where they live (e.g., schools, businesses with regular employees).
- Transient Non-Community Systems – Serve different people daily (e.g., gas stations, campgrounds, restaurants).
If your facility meets the PWS criteria—even unintentionally—you are subject to regulatory oversight and operational requirements under state and federal drinking water rules. This can include regular water testing, having a certified water system operator, submitting water quality reports, implementing emergency planning, and maintaining system infrastructure and records. Failing to comply may lead to enforcement actions, fines, or orders to upgrade your system.
Public Water Systems in Texas play a vital role in delivering safe drinking water to thousands of Texans, especially in rural and underserved areas. While the regulatory landscape can be demanding, resources and support are available to help systems meet compliance standards, upgrade infrastructure, and protect public health.
If you’re operating or need assistance with a PWS, staying informed and proactive is the best way to keep your system compliant and the community safe. Our highly skilled teams at JACOB | MARTIN have assisted numerous sizes and types of public water systems with a tailored approach to ensure compliance with the Texas Administrative Code. For more information related to public water systems, contact Allen Phillips, P.E., Principal at (806) 368-6375, or your local JACOB | MARTIN representative.