Water Quality Standards Flashcards
What are water quality standards?
Water quality standards are either numeric or narrative standards used to define the goals for a waterbody by designating its uses, setting criteria to protect those uses, and establishing provisions to protect waterbodies from pollutants.
What are designated uses?
Specify appropriate water uses to be achieved and protected. Appropriate uses are identified by taking into consideration the use and value of a waterbody for PWS, protection of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and for recreational, agricultural, industrial, and navigational purposes.
How are designated uses specified
States and tribes exine the suitability of a waterbody for the uses based on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of a waterbody, it’s geographical setting and scenic qualities, and economic considerations.
