Paxton Stops Illegal Sewage Dumping into Cedar Creek

TX Attorney General News Releases

Filed March 1st, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a court order against Angelina County Water Control and Improvement District No. 4 to stop illegal sewage dumping into Cedar Creek. The order requires the district to immediately cease discharges and clean up affected areas.

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What changed

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has obtained a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against Angelina County Water Control and Improvement District No. 4, halting its unauthorized discharge of sewage and waste into Cedar Creek and surrounding waterways. The lawsuit, filed in early March 2026, stemmed from an investigation revealing pollution with Ammonia and E. coli, violating the Texas Water Code and Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act.

The TRO mandates the District to immediately cease all unauthorized sewage discharges and to remediate any areas impacted by its unlawful actions. This enforcement action underscores the Attorney General's commitment to protecting Texas waterways and public health, with a clear message that illegal dumping will not be tolerated and entities managing public infrastructure must adhere to state law.

What to do next

Review internal wastewater discharge permits and compliance procedures
Ensure all sewage treatment and disposal processes comply with Texas Water Code and Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act
Investigate and report any observed illegal dumping activities to relevant authorities

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a court order to stop Angelina County Water Control and Improvement District No. 4 (“the District”) from discharging sewage, waste, and other potentially harmful substances into Cedar Creek and surrounding Texas waterways.

In early March 2026, Attorney General Paxton sued the District after an investigation revealed that its process of sewage treatment and disposal was polluting the nearby Cedar Creek with waste that contained traces of Ammonia and E. coli. The District discharged sewage from its leaking lift station into a tributary of Cedar Creek, which is part of the Neches River Basin, in violation of the Texas Water Code and Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act.

Now, Attorney General Paxton has secured a Temporary Restraining Order (“TRO”) that effectively stops the District’s unlawful activity. The TRO requires the District to immediately stop all unauthorized sewage discharges and to clean up all areas adversely affected by the District’s unlawful actions. Attorney General Paxton will continue to ensure the continued safety of Texans and their property.

“Illegal sewage dumping that threatens the health of Texans and harms our beautiful Texas waterways will not be tolerated,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I will ensure that no corners are cut and that any entity responsible for managing essential public infrastructure follows Texas law.”

To read the order, click here.