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Submitting a Water Treatment Plant Recycling Practices Report

All public water systems' treatment plants that use surface water or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water (GUI) must submit a Water Treatment Plant Recycling Practices Report (Recycling Practices Report) and treatment plant schematic. This documentation, required by the filter backwash rule, ensures that recycled streams are adequately controlled by minimizing interference with the treatment process.

Who is required to submit a Recycling Practices Report?

  • All public water system treatment plants that treat surface water or GUI sources must submit a Recycling Practices Report even if the plant does not recycle filter backwash.
    • If your treatment plant DOES NOT recycle or use conventional or direct filtration at the plant your report must provide:
      • Documentation that the plant is not recycling; or
      • Documentation that the plant uses membrane filtration.
    • If your treatment plant DOES use conventional or direct filtration and recycles one or more regulated streams your report must provide:
      • Detailed information about the recycling practice. Please review below to determine the recycling scenario at your plant.

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How do I know if my plant recycles a regulated stream?

  • The following are regulated streams that you must document:
    • Spent filter backwash water;
    • Thickener supernatant; and/or
    • Liquids from dewatering processes.

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Which recycling scenario applies to my treatment plant?

  • Recycling Upstream of the Raw Water Sample Tap: A treatment plant that recycles any regulated stream(s) to a point that incorporates the entire filtration process upstream of the raw water sample tap and coagulant injection point.
  • Recycling Downstream of the Raw Water Sample Tap: A treatment plant that returns any regulated stream(s) downstream of the raw water sample tap. There are two different regulatory options based on the location the stream is returned in relation to the coagulant injection point.
    • Option 1: If the treatment plant recycles downstream of the raw water sample tap but upstream of the coagulant injection point, the public water system must submit the standard operating procedure (SOP) used to conduct a jar test.
    • Option 2: If the treatment plant recycles downstream of the raw water sample tap and downstream of the coagulant injection point, the public water system must request approval from the TCEQ to return the regulated stream to the alternate recycling location.
  • Not Recycling: This scenario applies when a treatment plant is not recycling any of the regulated streams.

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Where do I download the Recycling Practices Report form?

Disclaimer: The file formats were created using Microsoft Office Excel 2012. If you need an accessible format please contact us at ptrs@tceq.texas.gov

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Where do I submit the completed Recycling Practices Report?

Technical Review and Oversight Team (MC 159)
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087

  • Alternatively, to submit electronically, please prepare your request as you normally would:
    • sign the cover letter
    • scan the cover letter, form, and any supporting information: and
    • send via email to PTRS@tceq.texas.gov
  • In the cover letter, please clearly indicate the best email address to contact you with any questions about your submittal. 

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When am I required to update my Recycling Practices Report?

  • If the frequency, duration, flow rate, or volume of a recycled stream changes by 10% or more, or if any changes are made to the plant’s recycling practices, you must submit an updated Recycling Practices Report to the TCEQ within 30 days of implementing the change.
  • Examples of changes in recycling practices may include but are not limited to:
    • A change in location where the recycled stream is returned to the main treatment plant.
    • A reduction in the amount of backwash water due to the installation of air scour facilities.

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How long do I retain my Recycling Practices Report?

  • Retain your Recycling Practices Report and other records pertaining to site-specific recycling practices for five years after they are no longer in effect, as specified in Title 30, Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC) Section 290.46(f)(3)(C)(iii).

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Where can I find more information about reporting requirements?

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Questions and contact information

  • Phone: 512-239-4691
  • Mailing Address:
                            Technical Review and Oversight Team (MC 159)
                            Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
                            P.O. Box 13087
                            Austin, TX 78711-3087

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