Which organization primarily regulates water utilities in Texas?

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the primary regulatory body overseeing water utilities in Texas. It is responsible for ensuring that the state's water supply is safe, sustainable, and adequately managed for public health and environmental protection. The TCEQ enforces state and federal laws related to water quality, allocates water rights, monitors water utilities, and oversees the compliance of water treatment facilities with health and safety standards.

In this context, while the Texas Water Board and other mentioned organizations may play roles related to water management, they do not have the comprehensive regulatory authority that TCEQ possesses. For example, the Texas Water Board has been dissolved, and its functions have been assumed by the TCEQ. Additionally, the Texas Department of Environmental Protection does not exist as a separate entity in Texas, with TCEQ serving this function instead. Finally, while the Texas Health Services may deal with public health matters, they do not regulate water utilities directly, placing TCEQ at the forefront of water utility regulation in Texas.