Paper: Pollution Control Activities of the Water Pollution Control Board and Texas Water Commission

During the past three years, regulatory agencies and industry have given increased attention to protection of surface and ground water from all types of pollution. Because of this publicity some may think that water pollution is a new problem. This certainly is not the case. In many instances, the pollution problem has been masked by the geographic size of the State, the availability of water for dilution purposes, and the lack of exploration for and use of ground water. Therefore, more cases of pollution are being identified as greater development of water resources occurs. Historically, several State agencies had been involved in varying degrees with pollution control activities. These agencies had specific areas of responsibility, and generally worked independently of each other. In an effort to coordinate the pollution control activities of the various State agencies, House Bill 24 (Article 7621d) was passed by the Texas Legislature in 1961 to establish the Water Pollution Control Board. This law represents a new approach to pollution control administration and enforcement.