By what date must surface water systems mail reports to the TCEQ?

Surface water systems are required to comply with specific reporting deadlines as mandated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The correct answer indicates that these systems must mail their reports by the 10th of the following month after the reporting period. This timeframe allows for a reasonable period for water systems to compile their data, ensuring that the reports submitted to the TCEQ are accurate and comprehensive.

Timely reporting is crucial because it helps the TCEQ monitor and manage water quality and supply effectively, ensuring compliance with state regulations and safeguarding public health. Understanding this deadline will assist operators in maintaining compliance and staying organized with their reporting schedule.

In this context, the other choices do not align with the established guidelines set forth by the TCEQ for surface water systems. The 5th of the following month and the end of each month could potentially lead to inconsistencies in reporting and data collection, while the 1st of each month would not allow sufficient time for thorough preparation of the reports.