The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recently addressed water quality issues impacting communities across the state. TCEQ is working with water quality labs to ensure the safety of drinking water. TCEQ is also working with the Environmental Protection Agency to identify other water quality labs in partnering states to provide additional assistance.

The state is also dealing with plumbing challenges. The Texas Board of Plumbing Examiners is able to give provisional licenses to out-of-state plumbers to increase the response to burst pipes and flooding. Gov. Greg Abbott also issued waivers of certain fees and examination requirements to allow plumbers currently holding expired licenses to assist Texans in need following the storm.

Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) chief Nim Kidd noted that many state agencies are continuing to work together to support local officials, first responders and communities impacted by the weather. The Texas Department of Public Safety has transported fuel, blood and other resources to hospitals and other essential facilities, and responded to vehicle crashes throughout the state. And, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are also assisting in the state’s response.