The Watershed Protection Division handles, with great care, a whole host of issues ranging from stormwater quality, proper household hazardous waste disposal, and watershed protection. Harris County has many agencies that contribute to protecting and improving water quality.

Harris County is a member of a Joint Task Force (JTF) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit issued by the TCEQ originally in 2009.  Programs such as Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Public Education, Illicit Discharge Detention and Elimination, Monitoring and Sampling, and areas of New/Significant Redevelopment have been developed and implemented to reduce pollutants from stormwater runoff to the maximum extent practicable.

Industrial Facilities, defined by the TCEQ, must obtain coverage under the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP).

Harris County's leadership in the field of water quality continues to this day. By clicking the link to the Research page, you can find many recent publications regarding studies that Harris County has performed to better understand the best ways to address water quality.