The Engineering Department's Watershed Protection Group handles, with great care, a whole host of issues ranging from stormwater quality, proper household hazardous waste disposal, and watershed protection.

Harris County has been enforcing water quality rules for over 50 years longer than most environmental agencies in the U.S. have been around! Water quality in our bayous had for decades been recognized as suffering misuse from the many demands placed on it, from recreation, fishing, transportation, drinking water, and even as an open sewer. From the first scientific assessment of water quality in 1946, a new agency was formed in 1953 to enforce air and water regulations. Harris County has many agencies that contribute to protecting and improving water quality.

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. We will post more studies as they are completed, so check back often!

To report illegal dumping or improper discharges (sewage, wastewater, etc.), don't hesitate to contact Harris County Pollution Control Services Department by email or phone at 713-920-2831.