We’ve set up this blog to deal mainly with water supply issues. But sometimes, something so ridiculous comes along that we just can’t resist bringing it to your attention.
Such is the case with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) proposed revisions to the state’s all important water quality standards. These standards govern how much pollution is allowed in our rivers and streams. In theory, under the federal Clean Water Act, all our rivers and streams are supposed to be fishable and swimmable. Of course, we have not yet achieved that goal, though substantial progress has been made over the last several decades.
But now, TCEQ is proposing to undermine much of that progress. University of Texas law professor Tom McGarity says it best in a opinion piece in the Austin American Statesman:
"The recent proposal by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to downgrade the state's water quality standards for most of the surface water in the state should trouble all who believe they have a right to swim, fish or simply wade in a cool Texas stream without the risk of contracting a gruesome waterborne disease."
Essentially, TCEQ is proposing to allow certain rivers and streams to have higher levels of bacteria—the kind of bacteria found in sewage and animal waste. As Professor McGarity explains:
"TCEQ plans to change the standards for the vast majority of Texas rivers and streams from the current "contract recreation" designation, which allows only 126 colonies of E. coli bacteria, to new designations that would allow 206 colonies in some "swimmable" waters and up to 630 colonies in waters used primarily for fishing and boating."
Sound good to you? If not—or even if it does—McGarity’s piece is definitely worth reading. If you are concerned about TCEQ’s proposed actions, contact your state legislator and let them know you want to keep all Texas waters fishable and swimmable!