Texas - Public Water System (PWS) Engineering & Compliance
Overview
Designing and permitting a Public Water System (PWS) is a highly regulated and technical process that directly impacts public health, long-term system reliability, and project feasibility. Legacy Engineering provides comprehensive PWS planning and engineering services that guide projects from early feasibility through regulatory approval and construction-ready design, ensuring compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements and federal drinking water standards.
A PWS is defined as any system that provides water for human consumption to at least 15 service connections or 25 people for 60 or more days per year. Because these systems serve the public, they are subject to strict design, monitoring, and operational requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act and Chapter 290 of the Texas Administrative Code.
Regulatory Framework & System Classification
Public Water Systems in Texas are regulated by the TCEQ and must meet specific criteria based on system type, population served, and source of supply. Legacy Engineering evaluates each project to determine whether a PWS is required and identifies the applicable classification, design standards, and compliance obligations early in the process.
Early regulatory evaluation helps avoid costly redesigns, permitting delays, and operational issues by aligning project planning with agency expectations from the outset.
Engineering Design & Technical Planning
Our PWS engineering services address all major system components required for a compliant and functional water system. Design efforts are tailored to site conditions, system demand, and long-term operational needs, and may include:
- Groundwater or surface water source planning and capacity evaluation
- Treatment system design, where required, to meet water quality standards
- Storage tank sizing and configuration for operational and fire flow demands
- Pump stations and pressure zone analysis
- Distribution system layout, hydraulic modeling, and system looping
All plans, specifications, and engineering reports are prepared and sealed by a Texas licensed Professional Engineer in accordance with TCEQ plan review requirements.
Permitting, Plan Review & Agency Coordination
Public Water System projects require formal review and approval by the TCEQ prior to construction. Legacy Engineering manages the preparation and submission of required engineering reports, plan review forms, and supporting documentation, and coordinates directly with the agency throughout the review process.
We respond to agency comments, address design revisions, and support approval milestones to keep projects moving efficiently toward construction authorization.
Compliance & Operational Support
Successful PWS projects extend beyond design and construction. We assist clients with planning for ongoing regulatory compliance, including water quality monitoring strategies, operational requirements, and system start-up considerations.
Our team provides guidance on licensed operator requirements, emergency response planning, and other obligations necessary to maintain a compliant and reliable public water system over the life of the project.
Why Legacy Engineering
Legacy Engineering approaches Public Water System design with the same philosophy applied to our roadway and infrastructure work — clear communication, practical engineering, and regulatory awareness. Our goal is to deliver systems that are not only compliant on paper, but buildable, maintainable, and suited for long-term operation.