What is the standard pH range on Texas effluent discharge permits?

The standard pH range for effluent discharge permits in Texas typically falls between 6.0 and 9.0. This range is designed to ensure that wastewater discharges do not cause harm to aquatic life and maintain the health of the receiving water bodies. A pH lower than 6.0 could indicate acidic wastewater, which can be detrimental to aquatic organisms, while a pH higher than 9.0 may suggest alkalinity levels that can also pose risks to aquatic ecosystems.

Maintaining pH within this specified range helps to support the ecological balance of ecosystems impacted by wastewater treatment and ensures compliance with state regulations governing water quality. The selected range accommodates various treatment processes and the natural fluctuations that can occur in water chemistry, providing a practical benchmark for operators managing wastewater treatment facilities in Texas.