[Why
are WQS Important?] [WQS
Review and Revision] [Role
of the Public] [Designated
Uses] [Water
Quality Criteria] [Antidegradation]
[General Policies]
[Indian Tribe Participation]
[WQS Program History]
Water quality standards are the foundation of the water quality-based
control program mandated by the Clean Water Act. Water Quality
Standards define the goals for a waterbody by designating its
uses, setting criteria to protect those uses, and establishing
provisions to protect water quality from pollutants. A water quality
standard consists of four basic elements:
(1) designated uses of the water body (e.g., recreation,
water supply, aquatic life, agriculture),
(2) water quality criteria to protect designated
uses (numeric pollutant concentrations and narrative requirements),
(3) an antidegradation policy to maintain and protect
existing uses and high quality waters, and
(4) general policies addressing implementation
issues (e.g., low flows, variances, mixing zones).
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