hKA
ates
antat Protection
Office of Water
Regulations and Standards
Washington, DC 20460
EPA 440/5-88/008
September 1988
Designated Uses
Water Quality Standards
Criteria Summaries:
A Compilation
of State/Federal Criteria
IMS ROSS AWtC '
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DISCLAIMER
This publication was prepared by Battelle under contract to
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Contract 68-03-3534).
Secondary information sources were used to compile data presented
in this document. Each State was given an opportunity to review
and provide comments on a draft of this information document. In
no event shall either the United States or Battelle have any
responsibility or liability for any use, misuse, or reliance upon
the information contained herein, nor does either warrant or
otherwise represent in any way the accuracy, adequacy, efficacy,
or applicability of the contents hereof.
The reader should consult the water quality standards of a
particular State for exact regulatory language applicable to that
State. Copies of State water quality standards may be obtained
from the State's Water Pollution Control Agency or its
equivalent.
Additional information may .also be obtained from the:
Standards Branch
Criteria and Standards Division (WH-585)
Office of Water Regulations and Standards
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
202-475-7315
This document may be obtained only from the National Technical
Information Service (NTIS) at the following address:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Front Royal Road
Springfield, Virginia 22161
703-487-4650
The NTIS order number is: PB89-141402
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INTRODUCTION
This digest is compiled to provide general information to the public as well
as to Federal, State, and local officials. It contains excerpts from the
individual Federal-State water quality standards establishing pollutant
specific criteria for interstate surface waters. The water quality standards
program is implemented by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency where
responsibility for providing water quality recommendations, approving
State-adopted standards for interstate waters, evaluating adherence to the
standards, and overseeing enforcement of standards compliance, has been
mandated by Congress.
Standards, a nationwide strategy for surface water quality management, contain
three major elements; the use (recreation, drinking water, fish and wildlife
propagation, industrial, or agricultural) to be made of the navigable water;
criteria to protect these uses; and an antidegradation statement to protect
existing high quality waters, from degradation by the addition of pollutants.
Guidance for the development of standards by individual States is contained in
two EPA documents entitled Water Quality Standards Handbook (1983) and Quality
Criteria for Water (1986).
Through their water quality standards, a State must establish stream use
designations which will reflect the goals of the Clean Water Act. Once
established, the use must be maintained by means of the criteria guidance
incorporated into the standards. However, where designated uses and their
specific criteria are less protective than the existing stream quality, the
State must upgrade that stream to reflect the criteria levels needed. At the
very least, current designated stream uses must be maintained in the State
water quality standards. Less restrictive uses may be imposed on a stream only
when attainment of the designated use would be impractical because of: 1) a
high natural background of water constituent(s); 2) irretrievable man-induced
conditions producing high levels of constituent(s); or 3) substantial and
widespread adverse economic and social impact which would result from a
greater degree of municipal or industrial wastewater treatment.
Since water quality standards experience revisions and upgrading from time to
time, the following procedures set forth in the Clean Water Act, individual
entries in this digest may be superseded. As these revisions are accomplished
and allowing for the States to revise their standards accordingly, this digest
will be updated and reissued. Because this publication is not intended for use
other than as a general information resource, to obtain the latest information
and special purposes and applications, the reader needs to refer to the
existing approved water quality standards. These can be obtained from the
State water pollution control agencies of the EPA Regional Offices.
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REFERENCES
5 California Water Quality Standards by River Basins, ca. 1975
For more detailed information on selected basins, sub-basins and stretches
of streams and coastal areas, refer to California State Water Quality
Standards.
19 Maine Water Classification Program, Maine Revised Statutes Annotated,
Title 38, Article 4-A, State of Maine Department of Environmental
Protection, May 1987, pp. 12-17.
23 Minnesota Standards for the Protection of the Quality and Purity of the
Waters of the State, Minnesota Rules Chapter 7050, 1988.
25 Missouri Water Quality Standards, 10 CSR 20-7.031, Rule of Department of
Natural Resources: Division 20 - Clean Water Commission.
27 Nebraska Water Quality Standards, Title 117, Chapter 1, Nebraska
Department of Envronmental Control.
33 State of North Carolina Administrative Code Section: 15 NCAC 2B .0200 -
Classifications and Water Quality Standards Applicable to Surface Waters
of North Carolina.
35 Ohio Water Quality Standards, Chapter 3745-1 of the Administrative Code,
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, 1985.
43 Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, Texas Water Commission, Rule
Change, 1988.
44 Utah Standards of Quality for Waters of the State, Wastewater Disposal
Regulations: Part II, State of Utah Department of Health: Division of
Environmental Health, 1988.
45 Vermont Water Quality Standards, State of Vermont Water Resource Board,
1987.
46 Virginia Water Quality Standards, State Water Control Board, 1987.
48 Water Quality Standards, West Virginia Legislative Rules, State Water
- Resources Board, 1985.
51 Water Quality Standards for American Samoa, July 1984, p. 4-12.
53 Revised Guam Water Quality Standards, Guam Environmental Protection
Agency, February 24, 1984, pp. 3,6.
54 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Marine and Fresh Water
Quality Standards, Commonwealth Register, Vol. 8 No. 5, August 15, 1986,
pp. 4462-4463.
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56 Marine and Fresh Water Quality Standard Regulations, Trust Territory,
March 31, 1986, pp. 3-5.
57 Environmental Laws and Regulations of the Virgin Islands, 1985.
ENVIRONMENT REPORTER, The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. Washington, D.C.
20037
1 Pages 701:1003-1010, June 26, 1981
2 Pages 706:1002-1003, November 7, 1986
3 Pages 711:1006-1018, February 7, 1986
4 Page 716:1003, August 30, 1986
6 Pages 726:1006-1008, August 22, 1986
7 Pages 731:1004-1008, May 14, 1982
8 Page 736:1003, March 28, 1986
9 Pages 746:1010.2-1010.3, September 5, 1986
10 Pages 751:0504-0505, December 27, 1985
11 Pages 756:1001-1002, September 27, 1985
12 Pages 761:1003-1004, January 23, 1987
13 Pages 766:0509-0510, December 23, 1987
14 Pages 771:1001-1002, January 10, 1986
15 Pages 776:1005-1006, February 13, 1987
16 Page 781:0502, November 29, 1985
17 Pages 786:1008-1009, November 29, 1985
18 Pages 791:1003-1005, January 18, 1985
20 Page 801:1001, April 19, 1985
21 Page 806:1002, June 21, 1985
22 Pages 811:1009-1010, February 13, 1987
24 Pages 821:1003-1004, October 25, 1985
26 Pages 831:1004-1009, April 19, 1985
28 Pages 841:1001-1011, February 22, 1985
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29 Page 846:1004, October 5, 1984
30 Pages 851:1002-1003, 1009, April 11, 1986
31 Pages 856:1002-1004, 1009-1011, June 11, 1982, 856:1005-1008, October 16,
1981
32 Pages 861:1007-1012, November 29, 1985
34 Pages 871:1003-1004, June 7, 1985
36 Pages 881:1003-1014, September 26, 1986
38 Page 891:1002, August 9, 1985
39 Page 901:1001, August 9, 1985
40 Pages 906:1006-1009, November 29, 1985
41 Page 911:1004, March 22, 1985
42 Pages 916:0541-0544, September 7, 1984
47 Pages 941:1003-1005, October 21, 1983
49 Page 951:1002, March 13, 1987
50 Pages 956:1002-1003, July 5, 1985
52 Page 741:1001, March 28, 1986
55 Pages 896:1003-1004, December 23, 1983
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State Water Use Classification
Alabama1 PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
Best Usage of Waters: Source of water supply for
drinking or food-processing purposes.*
Note: In determining the safety or suitability of
waters for use as sources of water supply for drinking
or food-processing purposes after approved treatment,
the Commission will be guided by the physical and
chemical standards specified by the State Department
of public Health.
Conditions Related to Best Usage: The waters, if
subjected to treatment approved by the State
Department of Public Health equal to coagulation,
sedimentation, filtration and disinfection, with
additional treatment if necessary to remove naturally
present impurities, and which meet the requirements of
the State Department of Public Health, will be
considered safe for drinking or food-processing
purposes.
SWIMMING AND OTHER WHOLE BODY WATER-CONTACT SPORTS
Best Usage of Waters: Swimming and other whole body
water-contact sports.
Note: In assigning this classification to waters in
tended for svimming and water-contact sports, the
Commission will take into consideration the relative
proximity of discharges of wastes and will recognize
the potential hazards involved in locating swimming
areas close to waste discharges. The Commission will
not assign this classification to waters, the
bacterial quality of which is dependent upon adequate
disinfection of waste and where the interruption of
such treatment would render the water unsafe for
bathing.
Conditions Related to Best Uses: The waters, under
proper sanitary supervision by the controlling health
authorities, will meet accepted standards of water
quality for outdoor swimming places and will be
considered satisfactory for swimming and other whole
body water-contact sports. The quality of waters will
also be suitable for the propagation of fish, wildlife
and aquatic life. The quality of salt waters and
estuarine waters to which this classification is
assigned will be suitable for the propagation and
harvesting of shrimp and crabs.
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State Water Use Classification
SHELLFISH HARVESTING
Best Usage of Waters: Propagation and harvesting of
shellfish for sale or use as a food product.
Conditions Related to Best Usage: Waters vill meet
the sanitary and bacteriological standards included in
the latest edition of the National Shellfish
Sanitation Program Manual of Operations, Sanitation of
Shellfish Groving Areas, published by the Public
Health Service, U.S. Department of Health, Education,
and Welfare, and the requirements of the State
Department of Public Health. The waters will also be
of a quality suitable for the propagation of fish and
other aquatic life, including shrimp and crabs.
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Best Usage of Waters: Fishing, propagation of fish,
aquatic life, and wildlife, and any other usage except
for swimming and water-contact sports or as a source
of water supply for drinking or food-processing
purposes.
Conditions Related to Best Usage: The waters will be
suitable for fish, aquatic life and wildlife
propagation. The quality of salt and estuarine waters
to which this classification is assigned will also be
suitable for the propagation of shrimp and crabs.
AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL WATER SUPPLY
Best Usage of Waters: Agricultural irrigation,
livestock watering, industrial cooling and process
water supplies, and any other usage, except fishing,
bathing, recreational activities, including
water-contact sports, or as a source of water supply
for drinking or food-processing purposes.
Conditions Related to Best Usage: The waters, except
for natural impurities which may be present therein,
will be suitable for agricultural irrigation,
livestock watering, industrial cooling waters, and
fish survival. The waters will be usable after
special treatment, as may be needed under each
particular circumstance, for industrial process water
supplies. The waters will also be suitable for other
uses for which waters of lower quality will be
satisfactory.
This category includes watercourses in which natural
flow is intermittent and non-existent during droughts
and which may, of necessity, receive treated wastes
from existing municipalities and industries, both now
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State Water Use Classification
and in the future. In such instances, recognition
must be given to the lack of opportunity for mixture
of the treated wastes vith the receiving stream for
purposes of compliance. it is also understood in
considering waters for this classification that urban
run-off or natural conditions may impact any waters so
classified.
INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS
Best Usage of Waters: Industrial cooling and process
water supplies, and any other usage, except fishing,
bathing, recreational activities including
water-contact sports or as a source of water supply
for drinking or food-processing purposes.
Conditions Related to Best Usage: The waters, except
for natural impurities which may be present therein,
will be suitable for industrial cooling waters and
will be usable after special treatment, as may be
needed under each particular circumstance, for
industrial process water supplies. The waters will
also be suitable for other uses for which waters of
lower quality will be satisfactory.
This category includes watercourses in which natural
flow is intermittent and non-existent during droughts
and which may, of " necessity, receive treated wastes
from existing municipalities and industries, both now
and in the future. In such instances, recognition
must be given to the lack of opportunity for mixture
of the treated wastes with the receiving stream for
purposes of compliance. It is also understood in
considering waters for this classification that urban
run-off or natural conditions may impact any waters so
classified.
NAVIGATION
Best Usage of Waters: Navigation and related
activities.
Conditions Related to Best Usage: Waters will be of a
quality suitable for navigation and, after special
treatment as may be needed under each particular
circumstance, could be usable for agricultural
irrigation, livestock watering, industrial cooling and
industrial process water supply.
This category includes watercourses in which natural
flow is intermittent and non-existent during droughts
and which may, of necessity, receive treated wastes
from existing municipalities and industries, both now
and in the future. In such instances, recognition
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State Water Use Classification
must be given to the lack of opportunity for mixture
of the treated wastes vith the receiving stream for
purposes of compliance. it is also understood in
considering waters for this classification that urban
run-off or natural conditions may impact any waters so
classified.
2
Alaska Uses of waters of the state protected by water quality
criteria are:
(1) FRESH WATERS
Water Supply:
(i) drinking, culinary and food processing;
(ii) agricultural, including irrigation and stock
watering;
(iii) aquaculture;
(iv) industrial, including any water supply used
in association with a manufacturing or production
enterprise (other than food processing) including
mining, placer mining, energy production or
development.
Water Recreation:
(i) contact recreation;
(ii) secondary recreation.
Grovth and Propagation of Fish, Shellfish and
Other Aquatic Life, and Wildlife Including
Waterfowl and Furbearers.
(2) MARINE WATERS
Water Supply:
(i) aquaculture;
(ii) seafood processing;
(iii) industrial, including any water supply used
in association with a manufacturing or production
enterprise (other than food processing) including
mining, placer mining, energy production or
development.
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State Water Use Classification
Vater Recreation:
(i) contact recreation;
(ii) secondary recreation.
Growth and Propagation of Fish, Shellfish and
Other Aquatic Life, and Wildlife Including
Seabirds, Waterfowl and Furbearers.
Harvesting for Consumption of Raw Mollusks or
Other Aquatic Life.
3
Arizona Surface Vater Beneficial Uses
Full Body Contact
Incidental Human Contact
Aquatic and Wildlife
Cold Water Fishery
Warm Water Fishery
Agricultural Irrigation
Agricultural Livestock
Watering Domestic Water Source
Wastewater Treatment Plant
For specific protected uses, see p 711:1006 - 711:1018, Environment Reporter.
4
Arkansas
USE CLASSIFICATIONS:
Extraordinary Recreational and Aesthetic Value. This
beneficial use is a combination of the characteristics
of the watershed expressed in the water quality and
the riparian area.
Outstanding National Resource Vater. This beneficial
use is for waters thought to constitute an outstanding
national resource, such as waters of National and
State Parks and wildlife refuges and waters of
exceptional ecological significance.
Primary Contact Recreation. This beneficial use
designates waters where direct body contact is
involved.
Secondary Contact Recreation. This beneficial use
designates waters where secondary activities like
boating, fishing, or wading are involved.
Public Water Supply. This beneficial use designates
water which is suitable, in its raw form, to be
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State
For specific
Reporter.
Water Use Classification
utilized for a public water supply. Conditioning or
treatment may be necessary prior to distribution in a
public water system.
Industrial ₯ater Supply. This beneficial use
designates water which is suitable for process or
cooling purposes. Quality criteria vary with the
specific type of process involved and the water supply
may require prior treatment or conditioning.
Agricultural Water Supply. This beneficial
designates waters which are suitable for irrigati
crops and/or consumption by livestock.
beneficial use
ion of
Other Uses. This category of beneficial use is
generally used to designate uses not dependent upon
water quality, such as hydroelectric power generation
and navigation.
Fisheries. This beneficial use designation waters
which support fish and other aquatic life forms and is
further broken down into these subcategories:
Warmwater fishery: water which is suitable for the
propagation of indigenous warmwater species of fish.
Coolwater fishery: water which is suitable for the
propagation of indigenous coolwater species of fish,
generally, but not exclusively, characterized by the
presence of smallmouth bass.
Trout fishery: water which is suitable for the growth
and survival of trout.
stream use designations, see p 716:1007 - 716:1022, Environment
California'
Modifications, largely administrative in nature, to
the list of beneficial uses result from the State
Board's adoption of new designations for uniform
statewide consideration of beneficial uses. Standard
designations for beneficial uses for surface waters
and groundwater were based on the many uses shown and
incorporate comments from the public, the regional
boards, the Office of Technical Coordination of the
State Water Resources Control Board and the State
Board staff. The following definitions for beneficial
uses are applicable throughout the entire state:
Municipal and Domestic Supply (MUN) includes usual
uses in community or military water systems and
domestic uses from individual water systems.
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State Water Use Classification
Agricultural Supply (AGR) Includes crops, orchard
and pasture irrigation, stock watering, support of
vegetation for range grazing and all uses in support
of farming and ranching operations.
Industrial Process Supply (PROC) Includes process
water supply and all uses related to the manufacturing
of products.
Industrial Service Supply (IND) Includes uses that
do not depend primarily on water quality such as
mining, cooling water supply, hydraulic conveyance,
gravel washing, fire protection and oil well
repressurization.
Groundwater Recharge (GWR) Natural or artificial
recharge for future extraction for beneficial uses and
to maintain salt balance or halt salt water intrusion
into freshwater aquifers.
Freshwater Replenishment (FRSH) Provides a source
of freshwater for replenishment of inland lakes and
streams of varying salinities.
Navigation (NAV) Includes commercial and naval
shipping.
Water Contact Recreation (REC-1) Includes all
recreational uses involving actual body contact with
water, such as swimming, wading, waterskiing,
skindiving, surfing, sport fishing, uses in
therapeutic spas, and other uses where ingestion of
water is reasonably possible.
Non-Contact Water Recreation (REC-2) Recreational
uses that involve the presence of water but do not
require contact with water, such as picnicking,
sunbathing, hiking, beachcombing, camping, pleasure
boating, tidepool and marine life study, hunting and
aesthetic enjoyment in conjunction with the above
activities as well as sightseeing.
Ocean Commercial and Sport Fishing (COMM) - The
commercial collection of various types of fish and
shellfish, including those taken for bait purposes,
and sport fishing in oceans, bays, estuaries and
similar non-freshwater areas.
Warm Freshwater Habitat (WARM) Provides a warm
water habitat to sustain aquatic resources associated
with a warm water environment.
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State Water Use Classification
Cold Freshwater Habitat (COLD) Provides a cold
water habitat to sustain aquatic resources associated
with a cold water environment.
Preservation of Areas of Special Biological
Significance (ASBS) Area of Special Biological
Significance are those areas designated by the State
Water Resources Control Board as requiring protection
of species or biological communities to the extent
that alteration of natural water quality is
undesirable.
Saline Water Habitat (SAL) Provides an inland
saline water habitat for aquatic life resources. Soda
Lake in the Central Coastal Basin is a saline habitat
typical of desert lakes in inland sinks.
Wildlife Habitat (WILD) Provides a water supply and
vegetative habitat for the maintenance of wildlife.
Preservation of Rare and Endangered Species (RARE)
Provides an aquatic habitat necessary, at least in
part, for the survival of certain species established
as being rare and endangered species.
Marine Habitat (MAR) Provides for the preservation
of the marine ecosystem including the propagation and
sustenance of fish, shellfish, marine mammals, water
fowl and vegetation such as kelp.
Pish Migration (MIGR) Provides a migration route
and temporary aquatic environment for anadromous or
other fish species.
Pish Spawning (SPWN) Provides a high quality
aquatic habitat especially suitable for fish spawning.
Shellfish Harvesting (SHELL) The collection of
shellfish such as clams, oysters, abalone, shrimp,
crab and lobster for either commercial or sport
purposes.
Hydropower Generation (POW) Used for hydropower
generation. No such sites are presently located in
San Francisco Bay Basin.
Colorado6 3.1.13 STATE USE CLASSIFICATIONS - Waters are
classified according to the uses for which they are
presently suitable or intended to become suitable. In
addition to the classifications, one or more of the
qualifying designations described in paragraph 3.1.13
(2), may be appended. Classifications may be
established for any state surface waters, except that
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State Water Use Classification
water in ditches and other manmade conveyance
structures shall not be classified.
(1) CLASSIFICATIONS
(a) Recreation
(i) Class 1 - Primary Contact
These surface waters are suitable or intended to
become suitable for prolonged and intimate contact
with the body or for recreational activities when the
ingestion of small quantities of water is likely to
occur. such waters include but are not limited to
those used for swimming.
(ii) Class 2 - Secondary Contact
These surface waters are suitable or intended to
become suitable for recreational uses on or about the
water which are not included in the primary contact
subcategory.
(b) Agriculture
These waters are suitable or intended to become
suitable for irrigation of crops usually grown in
Colorado and which are not hazardous as drinking water
for livestock.
(c) Aquatic Life
These surface waters presently support aquatic life
uses as described below, or such uses may reasonably
be expected in the future due to the suitability of
present conditions, or the waters are intended to
become suitable for such uses as a goal:
(i) Class I - Cold Water Aquatic Life:
These are waters that (1) currently are capable of
sustaining a wide variety of cold water biota,
including sensitive species, or (2) could sustain such
biota but for correctable water quality conditions.
Waters shall be considered capable of sustaining such
biota where physical habitat, water flows or levels,
and water quality conditions result no substantial
impairment of the abundance and diversity of species.
(ii) Class 1 - Warm Water Aquatic Life:
These are waters that (1) currently are capable of
sustaining a wide variety of warm water biota,
including sensitive species, or (2) could sustain such
biota but for correctable water quality conditions.
Waters shall be considered capable of sustaining such
biota where physical habitat, water flows or levels,
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State ffater Use Classification
and water quality conditions result in no substantial
impairment of the abundance and diversity of species.
(iii) Class 2 - Cold and Warm Vater Aquatic Life:
These are waters that are not capable of sustaining a
wide variety of cold or warm water biota, including
sensitive species, due to physical habitat, water
flows or levels, or uncorrectable water quality
conditions that result in substantial impairment of
the abundance and diversity of species.
(d) Domestic Water Supply
These surface waters are suitable or intended to
become suitable for potable water supplies. After
receiving treatment (defined as coagulation,
flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and
disinfection with chlorine or its equivalent) these
waters will meet Colorado drinking water regulations
and any revisions, amendments, or supplements thereto.
(2) QUALIFIERS
The following qualifiers may be appended to any
classification to indicate special considerations.
Where a qualifier applies, it will be appended to the
use classification; for example "Class 1, Warm Water
Aquatic Life (Goal)."
(a) Goal
A qualifier which indicates that the waters are
presently not fully suitable but are intended to
become fully suitable for the classified use. "Goal"
will be used to indicate that a temporary modification
for one or more of the underlying numeric standards
has been granted.
(b) Seasonal
A qualifier which indicates that the water may only be
suitable for a classified use during certain periods
of the year. During those periods when water is in
the stream, the standards as defined in 3.1.7(l)(b)
and 3.1.9(1) shall apply.
(c) Interrupted Flow
A qualifier which indicates that due to natural or
human-induced conditions the continuity of flow is
broken, not necessarily according to a seasonal
schedule. This qualifier appended to a classification
indicates that the flow conditions still permit the
classified use during periods of flow. The presence
of water diversions in a stream does not change the
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State Water Use Classification
classifications and standards, and the standards do
not require that flow be maintained in the stream.
(3) AREAS REQUIRING SPECIAL PROTECTION
In special cases where protection of beneficial uses
requires standards not provided by the classification
above, special standards may be assigned after full
public notice and hearings. Cases where special
protection may be needed include but are not limited
to wildlife preserves and waterbodies endangered by
eutrophication.
Connecticut7 INLAND WATERS
Class AA. Existing or proposed drinking water supply
impoundments and tributary surface waters.
Class A. May be suitable for drinking water supply
and/or bathing; suitable for all other water uses;
character uniformly excellent; may be subject to
absolute restrictions on the discharge of pollutants;
authorization of new discharges of other than minor
cooling and clean water or dredge materials at
designated locations would require revision of the
class to Class B which be considered concurrently with
the issuance of a permit at public hearing.
Class B. Suitable for bathing, other recreational
purposes, agricultural uses, certain industrial
processes and cooling; excellent fish and wildlife
habitat; good aesthetic value.
Class C. Suitable for fish and wildlife habitat,
recreational boating, and certain industrial processes
and cooling; good aesthetic value.
Class D. May be suitable for bathing or other
recreational purposes, certain fish and wildlife
habitat, certain industrial processes and cooling; may
have good aesthetic value. Present conditions,
however, severely- inhibit or preclude one or more of
the above uses.
COASTAL AND MARINE WATERS
Class SA. Suitable for all sea water uses including
shellfish harvesting for direct consumption (approved
shellfish areas), bathing and other water contact
sports; may be subject to absolute restrictions on the
discharge of pollutants.
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State
Water Use Classification
Class SB. Suitable for bathing, other recreational
purposes, industrial cooling and shellfish harvesting
for human consumption after depuration; excellent fish
and vildlife habitat; good aesthetic value.
Class SC. Suitable for fish, shellfish and wildlife
habitat; suitable for recreational boating and
industrial cooling, good aesthetic value.
Class SD. May be suitable for bathing or other
recreational purposes, fish and vildlife habitat and
industrial cooling; may have good aesthetic value.
Present conditions, however, severely inhibit or
preclude one or more of the above uses.
GROUNDWATERS
Class GA. May be suitable for public or private
drinking vater use without treatment.
Class GAA. Existing or proposed public drinking water
use without treatment.
Class GB. May not be suitable for public or private
use as drinking water without treatment. No
quantitative or qualitative limits apply since the
groundwaters specified as GB are known or presumed to
be degraded.
Class GC. May be suitable for certain waste disposal
practices because past land use or hydrogeologic
conditions render these groundwaters more suitable for
receiving permitted discharges than development for
public or private water supply.
Delaware
Water Uses To Be Protected:
Public Vater Supply
Industrial Water Supply
Primary Contact Recreation
Secondary Contact Recreation
Fish, Aquatic Life and Wildlife
Coldwater Fish (Put-and-Take)
Agricultural Water Supply
Waters of Exceptional Recreation
Significance
Harvestable Shellfish Waters
or Ecological
Florida
CLASS I WATERS - Potable Water Supplies
CLASS II WATERS - Shellfish Propagation Or Harvesting
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State Water Use Classification
CLASS III WATERS - Recreation, Propagation and
Maintenance of a Healthy Veil-balanced Population of
Fish and Wildlife
CLASS IV WATERS - Agricultural Water Supplies
CLASS V WATERS - Navigation, Utility and Industrial
Use
Georgia Drinking Water Supplies:
1. Those raw vater supplies requiring approved
treatment to meet the requirements of the
Environmental Protection Division and the Federal
Drinking Water Standards or vhich -are approved by the
Environmental Protection Division for human
consumption and food-processing; or for any other use
requiring vater of a lover quality.
Recreation:
1. General recreational activities such as vater
skiing, boating, and svimming, or for any other use
requiring vater of a lover quality. These criteria are
not to be interpreted as condoning water contact
sports in proximity to sevage or industrial vaste
discharges regardless of treatment requirements.
Fishing, Propagation of Fish, Shellfish, Game and
Other Aquatic Life:
1. Suitable for these uses and any use requiring
vater of a lover quality.
Agricultural:
1. For general agricultural uses such as stock
vatering and irrigating; or for any other use
requiring vater of a lover quality.
Industrial:
1. For processing and cooling vater vith or vithout
special treatment; or for any other use requiring
vater of a lover quality.
Navigation:
1. To provide for commercial ship traffic and
protection of seamen or crevs.
-18-
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State Water Use Classification
Vild River:
1. This classification vill be applicable to any
waters of the State when so designated by an
authorized State or Federal Agency and vill be
effective simultaneously with that Agency's proper
designation.
2. For all waters designated as "Wild River," there
will be no alteration of natural water quality from
any source.
Scenic River:
1. This classification will be applicable to any
waters of the State when so designated by an
authorized State or Federal Agency and will be
effective simultaneously with that Agency's proper
designation.
2. For all waters designated as "Scenic River," there
shall be no alteration of natural water quality from
any source.
Urban Stream:
1. This classification is applicable to streams in
highly developed urban areas. The waters so
classified are to be aesthetically compatible to
adjacent areas.
Havaii11
The following use categories classify inland and marine waters for purposes of
applying the standards set forth in this Chapter and for the selection or
definition of appropriate quality parameters and uses to be protected in these
waters.
Inland Waters: Class 1 - General
It is the objective of this class that these waters
remain in their natural state as nearly as possible
with an absolute minimum of pollution from any
human-caused source. To the extent possible, the
wilderness character to such areas shall be protected.
Waste discharge into these waters is prohibited.
Class l.a - The uses to be protected in this class of
waters are scientific and educational purposes,
protection of breeding stock and baseline references
from which human-caused changes can be measured,
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State ffater Use Classification
compatible recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, and other
non-degrading uses which are compatible with the
protection of the ecosystems associated with waters of
this class.
Class l.b - The uses to be protected in this class of
waters are for domestic water supplies, food
processing, the support and propagation of aquatic
life, compatible recreation, and aesthetic enjoyment.
Public access to waters in this class may be
restricted to protect water quality.
Class 2 - It is the objective of this class of waters
that their use for recreational purposes, propagation
of fish and other aquatic life, and agricultural and
industrial water supply be protected.
The uses to be protected in this class of waters are
all uses compatible with the protection and
propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and with
recreation in and on these waters. Such waters shall
not act as receiving waters for any discharge which
has not received the best degree of treatment or
control compatible with the criteria established for
this class. No new industrial or sewage discharges
will be permitted within estuaries.
Marine Waters: Class AA - It is the objective of this class that
these waters remain in their natural pristine state as
nearly as possible with an absolute minimum of
pollution or alteration of water quality from any
human-caused source or actions. To the extent
practicable, the wilderness character of such areas
shall be permitted in this class within a defined reef
area, in waters of a depth less than ten fathoms or in
waters up to a distance of 1,000 feet off shore if
there is no defined reef area and if the depth is
greater than ten fathoms. The uses to be protected in
this class of waters are oceanographic research, the
support and propagation of shellfish and other marine
life, conservation of coral reefs and wilderness
areas, compatible recreation, and aesthetic enjoyment.
The classification of any water area as Class AA shall
not preclude other uses of such waters compatible with
these objectives and in conformance with the criteria
applicable to them.
Class A - It is the objective of this class of waters
that their use for recreational purposes and aesthetic
enjoyment be protected. Any other use shall be
permitted as long as it is compatible with the
protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and
wildlife, and with recreation in and on these waters.
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State Water Use Classification
These waters shall not act as receiving waters for any
discharge which has not received the best degree of
treatment or control compatible with the criteria
established for this class. No new industrial or
sewage discharges will be permitted within embayments.
Idaho12
Waters are designated according to the uses for which they are presently
suitable or intended to become suitable. The designated uses for which the
waters of the State are to be protected shall include, but not necessarily be
limited to:
(a) Agricultural Water Supplies: Waters which are
suitable or intended to be made suitable for the
irrigation of crops or as drinking water for livestock.
(b) Domestic Water Supplies: Waters which are
suitable or intended to be made suitable for drinking
water supplies.
(c) Cold Water Biota: Waters which are suitable or
intended to be made suitable for protection and
maintenance of viable communities of aquatic organisms
and populations of significant aquatic species which
have optimal growing temperatures belpw 18°C.
(d) Warm Water Biota: Waters which are suitable or
intended to be made suitable for protection and
maintenance of viable communities of aquatic organisms
and populations of significant aquatic species which
have optimal growing temperatures above 18 C.
(e) Salmonid Spawning: Those waters which provide or
could provide a habitat for active self-propagating
populations of salmonid fish.
(f) Primary Contact Recreation: Surface waters which
are suitable or intended to be made suitable for
prolonged and intimate contact by humans or for
recreational activities when the ingestion of small
quantities of water is likely to occur. Such waters
would include but not be restricted to those used for
swimming, water skiing or skin diving.
(g) Secondary Contact Recreation: Surface waters
which are suitable or intended to be made suitable for
recreational uses on or about the water which are not
included in the primary contact category. These waters
may be used for fishing, boating, wading and other
activities where ingestion of raw water is not
probable.
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State Water Use Classification
Illinois13
WATER USE DESIGNATIONS. The following
use-designations are provided:
Unspecified Waters. Surface waters not specified in
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Rules and
Regulations Section 01.2110 -- 01.2160 are designated
as primary contact recreational waters, unless the
physical characteristics of a water body prevent
primary contact recreation. In those cases, the water
body is designated a secondary contact recreational
water.
Industrial Water Supplies, Wildlife Habitats, and
Aesthetics. All State waters are designated for the
uses of industrial water supplies, wildlife habitat
and aesthetics. Water quality standards for those
uses will generally be satisfied by the general water
quality standards (Idaho Department of Health and
Welfare Rules and Regulations Section 01.2200). Should
specificity be desirable or necessary to protect a
specific use, appropriate criteria will be adopted in
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Rules and
Regulations Sections 01.2250 or 01.2275 01.2299.
Man-Made Waterways. Unless designated in Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare Rules and Regulations
Sections 01.2110 01.2160, man-made waterways are to
be protected for the use for which they were developed.
Private Waters. Unless designated in Idaho Department
of Health and Welfare Rules and Regulations Sections
01.2110 01.2160, lakes, ponds, pools, streams and
springs outside public lands but located wholly and
entirely upon a person's land are not protected
specifically or generally for any beneficial use.
Groundwaters. Groundwaters not specified in Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare Rules and Regulations
Sections 01.2110 01.2160 are designated protections
for potable water supplies unless the existing
groundwater quality precludes the economic feasibility
of use as a domestic source due to natural or man made
causes as determined by the Department. In those
cases, the groundwater will be protected for other
existing beneficial uses, if any, as determined by the
Department.
General Use Waters: Except as otherwise specifically
provided, all waters of the State must meet the
general use standards of Subpart B of Part 302.
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State Water Use Classification
Indiana14
Public and Food Processing Water Supply: Except as
otherwise specifically provided and in addition to the
general use standards of Subpart B. Part 302, waters
of the State shall meet the public and food processing
water supply standards of Subpart C. Part 302, at any
point at which water is withdrawn for treatment and
distribution as a potable supply or for food
processing.
Underground Waters: The underground waters of
Illinois which are a present or a potential source of
water for public or food processing supply shall meet
the general use and public and food processing water
supply standards of Subparts B and C, Part 302, except
due to natural causes.
Secondary Contact and Indigenous Aquatic Life Waters:
These are waters which are required to meet the
secondary contact and indigenous aquatic life
standards of Subpart D, Part 302, are not required to
meet the general use standards or the public and food
processing water supply standards of Subparts B and C,
Part 302.
(1) Recreational Use: All lakes and reservoirs, the
St. Joseph River in Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties,
the St. Joseph River in Allen County, the Wabash River
where forming the common boundary with Illinois, the
Whitewater River after its confluence with the East
Fork of the Whitewater River, the Ohio River and the
streams listed in part (C) of the Antidegradation
Section, are designated for whole body contact
recreation. All other streams are designated for
partial body contact recreation in addition to any
other applicable use designation.
(2) Aquatic Life: All waters, except as described in
paragraph 5 of this section, will be capable of
upporting a well-balanced, warm water fish community
and, where natural temperatures permit, will be
capable of supporting put-and-take trout fishing; All
waters, where now possible, shall be capable of
supporting the natural reproduction of trout and
salmon.
(3) Domestic and Industrial Use: All waters which are
used for potable or industrial water supply must meet
the standards for those uses at the points where the
water is withdrawn. This use designation and its
corresponding water quality standards are not to be
construed as imposing a user restriction on those
exercising or desiring to exercise the use.
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State Water Use Classification
(4) Agricultural Use: All waters which are used for
agricultural purposes must meet the standards
established in subsection 6(a).
(5) Limited Use: All waters in which naturally poor
physical characteristics (including lack of sufficient
flow), naturally poor chemical quality, irreversible
man-induced conditions, which came into existence
prior to January 1, 1983, or a combination thereof
allow a fish community composed only of those fishes
which are able to survive in a wide range of physical
or chemical conditions or in areas which are
inaccessible to most other fishes during a significant
portion of the year may be classified for limited use.
As a general policy, no more than fifty percent of the
tributaries to a stream segment which is not
classified for limited use may be eligible for limited
use designation. Specific waters of the state
designated for limited use are listed in Section 13(a)
of this rule.
(6) Exceptional Use: All waters which provide unusual
aquatic habitat, which are an integral feature of an
area of exceptional natural beauty or character, or
which support unique assemblages of aquatic organisms
may be classified for exceptional use. Specific
waters of the state designated for exceptional use are
listed in Section 13(b) of this rule.
(7) Multiple Use: Where multiple uses have been
designated for a body of water, the most protective of
all simultaneously applicable standards will apply.
Iowa Class A Waters: Waters which are designated as Class
A Waters are to be protected for primary contact water
use.
Class B Waters: Waters which are designated as Class
B Waters are to be protected for wildlife, fish,
aquatic and semi-aquatic life and secondary contact
water uses.
Class C Waters: Waters which are designated as Class
C Waters are to be protected as a raw water source of
potable water supply.
Kansas
Agricultural Irrigation: The withdrawal of surface
water for application onto land.
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State Water Use Classification
Agricultural Livestock Watering: The provision of
water to livestock for consumption.
Special Aquatic Life Waters: Surface waters
containing unique combinations of habitat types and
biota not found commonly in the State or that contain
representative populations of threatened or endangered
species.
Expected Aquatic Life Waters: Surface waters
containing habitat types and biota commonly found or
expected in the area.
Restricted Aquatic Life Waters: Surface waters
containing biota limited in abundance or diversity by
the physical quality of the habitat compared to more
suitable habitats in adjacent waters. These waters
are limited by lack of habitat due to natural
deficiencies or artificial modification including
channelization and loss of riparian vegetation.
Domestic Water Supply: The use of surface water after
appropriate treatment, by public or private water
supplies, to produce potable water.
Groundvater Recharge: The use of treated or untreated
effluent for groundwater aquifer recharge, including
accidental or incidental recharge as a means of
disposal of sewage.
Industrial Water Supply: The use of surface water for
non-consumptive purposes by industry, including
withdrawals for cooling or process water.
Contact Recreation: Recreation where the body may
come into direct contact with water to the point that
ingestion is possible. This use includes swimming,
skin diving, and water skiing. This subcategory of
use shall be in effect from May 1 to October 31 of
each year.
Noncontact Recreation: Recreation where ingestion of
water is not probable. This includes wading, boating,
fishing and hunting.
Consumptive Recreation: Recreation resulting in the
human consumption of species of aquatic life and
semi-aquatic or terrestrial wildlife that depend on
the surface water or its organisms for survival and
well-being.
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State Water Use Classification
Kentucky1 (1) Aquatic life.
(A) Warmwater aquatic habitat: Protective of
productive varmvater aquatic communities, fowl, animal
wildlife, arborous growth, agriculture, and industrial
uses.
(B) Coldwater aquatic habitat: Protective of
productive coldwater aquatic communities and streams
which support trout populations (whether
self-sustaining or reproducing) on a year round basis.
(2) Domestic vater supply use. Applicable at the
point of withdrawl for use for domestic water supply
from surface water sources.
(3) Recreational Waters.
(A) Primary contact recreation waters: suitable for
full body contact recreation during the recreation
season of May 1 through October 31.
(B) Secondary contact recreation waters: suitable for
partial body contact recreation, with minimal threat
to public health due to water quality.
(4) Outstanding Resource Waters
Louisiana18
Policy
B. Water Use; It is the policy of the State of Louisiana that all state waters
should be protected for recreational uses in and/or on the water and for the
preservation and propagation of desirable species of aquatic biota such as
indigenous species of fish, shellfish and wildlife. Use and value of water for
public water supplies, agriculture, industry, and other purposes as well as
navigation, shall also be considered in setting Standards. However, the most
stringent criteria specified for each parameter shall be applicable where
waters are classified for multiple uses.
In applying this policy, the terms "recreational uses" and "desirable species
of aquatic biota" will be given common sense application. Recreational uses
will be specified as either "primary contact" or "secondary contact".
"Desirable species of aquatic biota" refers to a diverse and naturally
occurring range of aquatic biota and not to species that exist in the area in
question in disproportionate numbers as a result of man's waste discharges.
Desirable species of fish, shellfish, wildlife and other aquatic biota will be
specified as "fresh warmwater," or "marine water" species. All future
designations of stream uses and their associated criteria must, at a minimum,
adhere to these classifications except as provided below.
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State Water Use Classification
C. Exceptions! The existence of poor water quality vill be viewed as a
problem to be solved, not as an impediment against assigning a use
classification. However, some waters, because of naturally occurring poor
quality or technological limitations, may qualify for an excepted
classification. This determination, however, will be made on a case-by-case
basis following the analysis of each such area. In all cases where exceptions
are proposed the concurrence of the regional administrator of the EPA will
first be obtained. In any case where the exception is based on technological
limitations, the exception will be temporary i.e., the exception will be
reviewed at least every three years as required by Section 303(c) of the Clean
Water Act to determine the possibility of upgrading. Two categories for which
exceptions are allowed are for certain intermittent streams and man-made
watercourses.
WATER USE DESIGNATIONS
There are seven water use designations for surface- waters in the State of
Louisiana: (A) primary contact recreation, (B) secondary contact recreation,
(C) fish and wildlife propagation, (D) public water supply, (E) shellfish
propagation, (F) agriculture, and (G) outstanding natural resource waters. A
description of each follows.
Primary contact recreation is defined as any
recreational or other water use in which there is
prolonged and intimate contact with the water
involving considerable risk of ingesting water in
quantities sufficient to pose a significant health
hazard such as swimming, water skiing, skindiving,
wading, and other similar activities.
Secondary Contact Recreation is defined as any-
recreational or other water use in which contact with
the water is either incidental or accidental and in
which the probability of ingesting appreciable
quantities of water is minimal, such as fishing,
commercial or recreational boating and any limited
contact incident to shoreline activity.
Fish and Wildlife Propagation includes the use of
water for preservation and reproduction of aquatic
biota such as indigenous species of fish and
invertebrates as well as reptiles, amphibians and
other wildlife associated with the aquatic environment.
Public Water Supply refers to the use of water for
human consumption and general household use.
Shellfish Propagation is the use of water to
sufficiently maintain the health of biological systems
which support commercially important species of
shellfish primarily oyster, and to protect the health
of human consumers of these shellfish.
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State Water Use Classification
Agriculture involves the use of water for crop
spraying, irrigation, livestock watering, poultry
operations, and other farm purposes, not related to
human consumption.
Outstanding Natural Resource Vaters includes areas
designated for preservation, protection, reclanation
or enhancement of wilderness and aesthetic qualities
and ecological regimes, such as Louisiana natural and
scenic streams, and waters within wildlife refuges.
19
Maine Designated uses of fresh surface waters:
Class AA. Drinking water after disinfection, fishing,
recreation in and on the water and navigation and as
habitat for fish and other aquatic life.
Class A and B and C. Drinking water after
disinfection, fishing, recreation in and on the water,
industrial process and cooling water supply,
hydroelectric power generation, except as prohibited
under Title 12, section 403, and navigation, and as
habitat for fish and other aquatic life.
Designated uses of lakes and ponds:
Class GPA. Drinking water after disinfection,
recreation in and on the water, fishing, industrial
process and cooling water supply, hydroelectric power
generation and navigation and as habitat for fish and
other aquatic life.
Designated uses of estuarine and marine waters:
Class SA. Recreation in and on the water, fishing,
aquaculture, propagation and harvesting of shellfish
and navigation and as habitat for fish and other
estuarine and marine life.
Class SB. Recreation in and on the water, fishing,
aquaculture, propagation and harvesting of shellfish,
industrial process and cooling water supply,
hydroelectric power generation and navigation and as a
habitat for fish and other estuarine and marine life.
Class SC. Recreation in and on the water, fishing,
aquaculture, propagation and restricted harvesting of
shellfish, industrial process and cooling water
supply, hydroelectric power generation and navigation
and as a habitat for fish and other marine life.
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State
Vater Use Classification
Designated uses for groundvater:
Class GV-A. Public vater supplies.
Class GW-B. All uses other than public water supplies.
Maryland
20
The following water use
the waters of the state:
classes are established for
CLASS I, Vater Contact Recreation and Aquatic Life and
Vater Supply includes waters which are suitable for:
o Vater contact sports,
o Play and leisure time activities where the human
body may come in direct contact with the surface
water,
o Growth and propagation of fish (other than trout),
other aquatic life and wildlife.
o Public water supply,
o Agricultural water supply,
o Industrial water supply.
CLASS II: Shellfish Harvesting Vaters
Vaters where shellfish are propagated, stored or
gathered for marketing purposes; includes actual or
potential areas for the harvesting of oysters,
softshell clams, hardshell clams, and brackish water
clams.
growth and
capable of
and their
CLASS III: Natural Trout Vaters
Vaters which are suitable for the
propagation of trout, and which are
supporting natural trout populations
associated food organisms.
CLASS IV: Recreational Trout Vaters
Vaters which are capable of holding or supporting
adult trout for put-and-take fishing, and which are
managed as a special fishery by periodic stocking and
seasonal catching.
Massachusetts
21
CLASSES FOR INLAND VATERS
Class A. Vaters assigned to this class are designated
for use as a source of public water supply.
Class B. Vaters assigned to this class are designated
for the uses of protection and propagation of fish,
other aquatic life and wildlife; and for primary and
secondary contact recreation.
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State Water Use Classification
Class C. Waters assigned to this class are designated
for the uses of protection and propagation of fish,
other aquatic life and wildlife; and for secondary
contact recreation.
CLASSES FOR COASTAL AND MARINE WATERS
Class SA. Waters Assigned to this class are designated
for the uses of protection and propagation of fish,
other aquatic life and wildlife; for primary and
secondary contact recreation; and for shellfish
harvesting without depuration in approved areas.
Class SB. Waters assigned to this class are
designated for the uses of protection and propagation
of fish, other aquatic life and wildlife; for primary
and secondary contact recreation; and for shellfish
harvesting with depuration (Restricted Shellfish
Areas).
Class SC. Waters assigned to this class are
designated for the protection and propagation of fish,
other aquatic life and wildlife; and for secondary
contact recreation.
22
Michigan Designated Uses:
- As a minimum, all waters of the state are ^^
designated for, and shall be protected for, all of the
following uses:
o Agricultural uses,
o Navigation,
o Industrial water supply,
o Public water supply at the point of water intake,
o Warmwater fish,
o Other indigenous aquatic life and wildlife,
o Partial body contact recreation.
All waters of the state are designated for, and
shall be protected for, total body contact recreation
from May 1 to October 31 in accordance with R
323.1062. The commission will annually publish a list
of those waters of the state located immediately
downstream of municipal sewage system discharges where
total or partial body contact recreation is contrary
to prudent public health practices.
All inland lakes identified in the publication
entitled "Coldwater Lakes of Michigan," as published
in 1976 by the department of natural resources, are
designated for, and shall be protected for, coldwater
fish.
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State ffater Use Classification
All G'-eat Lakes and their connecting waters,
except the entire Keweenaw Waterway including Portage
Lake, Houghton County, and Lake St. Clair, are
designated for, and shall be protected for, coldwater
fish.
All lakes designated as trout lakes by the natural
resources commission under the authority of Act No.
165 of the Public Acts of 1929, as amended, being
§301.1 et seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws, are
designated for, and shall be protected for, coldwater
fish.
All waters of the state designated as trout
streams by the director of the department pursuant to
section 8 of Act No. 165 of the Public Acts of 1929,
as amended, being §301.8 et. seq. of the Michigan
Compiled Laws, shall be protected for coldwater fish.
- All waters of the state which are designated by the
Michigan department of public health as existing or
proposed for use as public water supply sources are
protected for such use at the point of water intake
and in such contiguous areas as the commission may
determine necessary for assured protection.
- Water quality of all waters of the state serving as
migratory routes for anadromous salmonids shall be
protected as necessary to assure that migration is not
adversely affected.
Discharges to wetlands, as defined by Act No. 203
of the Public Acts of 1979, being §281.701 of the
Michigan Compiled Laws, that result in quality less
than that prescribed by these rules may be permitted
after a use attainability analysis shows that
designated uses are not and cannot be attained and
shows that attainable uses will be protected.
After completion of a comprehensive plan developed
pursuant to R 323.1064(3), upon petition by a
municipality or other person, and in conformance with
the requirements of 40 C.F.R. §131.10 (1983), the
commission may determine that attainment of the
dissolved oxygen standards of R 323.1064(1) is not
feasible and designate, by amendment to this rule, a
limited warmwater fishery use subcategory of the
warmwater fishery use of a limited cold water fishery
use subcategory of the cold water fishery use. For
waters so designated, the dissolved oxygen standards
specified in R 323.1064(2) and all other applicable
standards of these rules apply. For waters so
designated, the dissolved oxygen standards specified
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State Water Use Classification
in R 323.1064(1) do not apply. Not less than 60 days
before filing a petition under this subrule by a
municipality or other person, a petitioner shall
provide written notice to the executive secretary of
the water resources commission and the clerk of the
municipalities in which the affected waters are
located of its intent to file such petition.
Multiple designated uses.
When a particular portion of the waters of the state
is designated for more than 1 use, the most
restrictive water quality standards for 1 or more of
those designated uses shall apply to that portion.
Minnesota23 WATER USE CLASSIFICATIONS - ALL INTERSTATE WATERS OF
THE STATE
Based on considerations of best usage in the interest
of the public and in conformance with the requirements
of the applicable statutes, the interstate waters of
the state shall be grouped into one or more of the
following classes:
(1) Domestic Consumption. To include all interstate
waters which are or may be used as a source of supply
for drinking, culinary or food processing use or other
domestic purposes, and for which quality control is or
may be necessary to protect the public health, safety
or welfare.'
(2) Fisheries and Recreation. To include all
interstate waters which are or may be used for
fishing, fish culture, bathing or any other
recreational purposes, and for which quality control
is or may be necessary to protect aquatic or
terrestrial life, or the public health, safety or
welfare.
(3) Industrial Consumption. To include all interstate
waters which are or may be used as a source of supply
for industrial process or cooling water, or any other
industrial or commercial purposes, and for which
quality control is or may be necessary to protect the
public health, safety or welfare.
(4) Agriculture and Wildlife. To include all
interstate waters which are or may be used for any
agriculture purposes, including stock watering and
irrigation, or by waterfowl or other wildlife, and for
which quality control is or may be necessary to
protect terrestrial life or the public health, safety
or welfare.
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State Water Use Classification
(5) Aesthetic Enjoyment and Navigation. To include
all intrastate waters which are or may be used for any
form of water transportation or navigation, or fire
prevention, and for which quality control is or may be
necessary to protect the public health, safety or
welfare.
(6) Other Uses. To include interstate waters which
are or may serve the above listed uses or any other
beneficial uses not listed herein, including without
limitation any such uses in this or any other state,
province, or nation of any interstate waters flowing
through or originating in this state, and for which
quality control is or may be necessary for the above
declared purposes, or to conform with the requirements
of the legally constituted state or national agencies
having jurisdiction over such interstate waters, or
any other considerations the Agency may deem proper.
(7) Limited Resource Value Waters. This class
includes surface waters of the state which are of
limited value as a water resource and where water
quantities are intermittent. These waters shall be
protected so as to allow secondary body contact use,
to preserve the groundwater for use as a potable water
supply, and to protect aesthetic qualities of the
water. It is the intent of the agency that very few
waters be classified as limited resource value waters.
Mississippi24 1. Public Water Supply:
Water in this classification is for use as a source of
raw water supply for drinking and food processing
purposes. The water treatment process shall be
approved by the Mississippi State Board of Health. The
raw water supply will be such that after approved
treatment process it will satisfy the regulations
established pursuant to Section 1412 of the Public
Health Service Act as amended by the Safe Drinking
Water Act (Pub. L. 93-523). Waters that meet the
Public Water Supply Criteria shall also be suitable
for incidental recreational contact.
2. Shellfish Harvesting Areas:
Waters classified for this use are for propagation and
harvesting shellfish for sale or use as a food
product. These waters will meet the requirements set
forth in the latest edition of the National Shellfish
Sanitation Program, Manual of Operations, Part I,
Sanitation of Shellfish Growing Areas, as published by
the U.S. Public Health Service.
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State Water Use Classification
3. Recreation:
The quality of waters in this classification is to be
suitable for recreational purposes, including such
water contact activities as swimming and water skiing.
The waters shall also be suitable for use for which
waters of lower quality will be satisfactory.
4. Fish and Wildlife:
Waters in this classification are intended for fishing
and for propagation of fish, aquatic life, and
wildlife.
5. Ephemeral Stream:
Waters in this classification do not support a
fisheries resource and are not usable for human
consumption or aquatic life. Ephemeral streams
normally are natural watercourses, including natural
watercourses that have been modified by
channelization, that flow only in direct response to
precipitation in the immediate locality and whose
channels are normally above, the groundwater table.
Waters in this classification shall be protective of
wildlife and humans which may come in contact with the
waters. Waters contained in ephemeral streams shall
also allow maintenance of the standards applicable to
all downstream waters.
25
Missouri Beneficial vater uses.
1. Irrigation: Application of water to cropland or
directly to plants that may be used for human or
livestock consumption. Occasional supplemental
irrigation, rather than continuous irrigation, is
assumed.
2. Livestock watering and wildlife watering:
Maintenance of conditions to support health in
livestock and wildlife.
3. Protection of warm-water aquatic life: Maintenance
of conditions to sustain warm-water fish and other
warm-water aquatic life, including critical stages of
reproduction and early life. It will include warm-
water sport fishing.
4. Coldwater sport fishery: Maintenance of
conditions to support the propagation or stocking of
trout.
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State Vater Use Classification
5. Whole body contact recreation: Activities in
which there is direct human contact with the raw
surface water to the point of complete body
submergence. The raw water may be ingested
accidentally and certain sensitive body organs, such
as the eyes, ears, and the nose will be exposed to the
water. Although the water may be ingested
accidentally, it is not intended to be used as a
potable supply unless acceptable treatment is applied.
Water so designated is intended to be used for
swimming, water skiing or skin diving.
6. Drinking water supply: Maintenance of a raw water
supply which will yield potable water by public water
treatment facilities.
7. Industrial process water and industrial cooling
water: Water to support various industrial uses;
since quality needs will vary by industry, no specific
criteria are set in these standards.
8. Commercial Fishery: Aquatic life criteria and
Food and Drug Administration limits for fish
consumption are applicable.
9. Boating and canoeing: Activities in which very
little contact with water is assumed.
Stream-flow Classification:
1. Class P: Streams that maintain permanent flow
even in drought periods.
2. Class Pi: Standing water reaches of Class P
Streams, including impoundments.
3. Class C: Streams that may cease flow in dry
periods, but maintain permanent pools which support
aquatic life.
Outstanding national resource waters: Waters which
have outstanding recreational and ecological
significance. These waters shall receive special
protection against any degradation in quality.
Congressionally designated rivers, including those in
the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Wild and
Scenic Rivers system, are so designated.
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Water Use Classification
Montana*"" A-Closed classification:
Waters classified as A-Closed are suitable for
drinking, culinary and food processing purposes after
simple disinfection.
A-l Classification:
Waters classified A-l are suitable for drinking,
culinary and food processing purposes after
conventional treatment for removal of naturally
present impurities. Water quality must be suitable
for bathing, swimming and recreation; growth and
propagation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic
life, waterfowl and furbearers; and agricultural and
industrial water supply.
B-l Classification:
Waters classified as B-l are suitable for drinking,
culinary and food processing purposes, after
conventional treatment; bathing, swimming and
recreation; growth and propagation of salmonid fishes
and associated aquatic life, waterfowl and furbearers;
and agricultural and industrial water supply.
B-2 Classification:
Waters classified B-2 are suitable for drinking,
culinary and food' processing purposes, after
conventional treatment; bathing, swimming and
recreation; growth and marginal propagation of
salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl
and furbearers; and agricultural and industrial water
supply.
B-3 Classification:
Waters classified B-3 are suitable for drinking,
culinary and food processing purposes, after
conventional treatment; bathing, swimming and
recreation; growth and propagation of non-salmonid
fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl and
furbearers; and agricultural and industrial water
supply.
C-l Classification:
Waters classified C-l are suitable for bathing,
swimming and recreation; growth and propagation of
salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl
and furbearers; and agricultural and industrial water
supply.
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State ₯ater Use Classification
C-2 Classification:
Vaters classified C-2 are suitable for bathing,
swimming and recreation; growth and marginal
propagation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic
life, waterfowl and furbearers; and agricultural and
industrial water supply.
C-3 Classification:
Waters classified C-3 are suitable for bathing,
swimming and recreation, growth and propagation of
non-salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life,
waterfowl and furbearers. The quality of these waters
is naturally marginal for drinking, culinary and food
processing purposes, agriculture and industrial water
supply. Degradation which will impact established
beneficial uses will not be allowed.
Nebraska27
It is the public policy of the State of Nebraska to conserve the water in
this State and to protect and improve the quality of surface water for human
consumption, wildlife, fish and other aquatic life, industry, recreation, and
other productive, beneficial uses.
Beneficial uses are assigned to surface waters within or bordering upon the
State of Nebraska, and are protected through the restrictions imposed by the
numeric and narrative criteria. Some uses require higher quality water than
others. Vhen multiple uses are assigned to the same waters, all assigned uses
will be protected. Beneficial uses will also be protected by permits issued
in accordance with requirements of current water quality standards and through
practical management or regulatory programs for non-point sources.
The beneficial uses defined by these standards are:
(1) Recreation
Class A - Primary Contact Recreation. Primary
contact recreation includes activities where the body
may come into prolonged or intimate contact with the
water, such that water may be accidentally ingested,
it is not intended to be used as a potable water
supply unless acceptable treatment is applied. These
waters may be used for swimming, water skiing,
canoeing, and similar activities.
Class B - Secondary contact recreation. Secondary
contact recreation includes activities where the body
usually does not come into prolonged or intimate
contact with the water. It is very unlikely that the
water will be ingested nor will sensitive body organs
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State Vater Use CJassification
(e.g., eyes, ears, nose, etc.) be exposed. The waters
may be used for fishing, hunting, and similar
activities.
(2) Aquatic Life
Class A - Coldvater Habitat. These waters provide, or
could provide, water quality and habitat conditions
(e.g. flow, substrate, cover) which support a
significant salmonid (trout) population. All waters
which support a naturally reproducing trout population
are included.
Class B - Coldwater Habitat. These are waters where
coldwater aquatic life (including salmonid
populations) is limited by natural water quality or
habitat conditions. These waters will not support
salmonid spawning, but may support a salmonid
population if periodically stocked. Waters which
serve as seasonal pathways for salmonid migration are
included.
Class A - Warmwater Habitat. These waters provide, or
could provide, water quality and habitat conditions
(e.g. flow, substrate, cover) which maintain a wide
variety of warmwater biota. These waters will
support fis'h populations of recreational importance or
populations of threatened .species.
Class B .- Warmwater Habitat. These are waters where
the potential variety of life forms is presently
limited by degraded water quality (natural or
irretrievable human-induced conditions) or habitat
conditions. These waters will support fish
populations consisting of nonsensitive forage species.
(3) Water Supply - Public Drinking Water
These are surface waters which serve as a potable
water supply. These waters must be treated (e.g.,
coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, chlorination)
before the water is suitable for human consumption.
After treatment, these waters are suitable for human
domestic drinking water, food processing, and similar
uses.
(4) Agriculture
Class A - Agricultural. These are waters used for
general agricultural purposes (e.g., irrigation and
livestock watering) without treatment.
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State gater Use Classification
Class B - Agricultural. These are waters where the
natural background water quality limits its use for
agricultural purposes.
(5) Industrial
These waters are potentially suitable for commercial
or industrial use as cooling or processing (nonfood)
water. Water quality criteria necessary to protect
this use will vary depending on the type of industrial
process involved. Where actual uses are identified,
site specific criteria will be developed to protect
the use when necessary.
(6) Aesthetics and Public Health
This use applies to all surface waters of the state.
To be aesthetically acceptable, waters shall be free
from human induced pollution which causes: 1) noxious
odors; 2) floating, suspended, colloidal, or
settleable materials that produce objectionable films,
colors, turbidity, or deposits; and 3) the occurrence
of undesirable or nuisance aquatic life (e.g., algal
blooms). Surface waters shall be free of
radionuclides or toxic substances in concentrations or
. combinations which may produce undesirable
physiological responses in humans. Surface waters
shall also be free of junk.
*
28
Nevada Class A Waters. Class A waters include waters or
portions of waters located in areas of little human
habitation, no industrial development or intensive
agriculture, and where the watershed is relatively
undisturbed by man's activity.
Beneficial Uses:
Drinking water supply with treatment by disinfection
only, aquatic life habitat, wildlife propagation,
agricultural use, recreation, boating and aesthetics.
Class B Vaters. Class B waters includes waters or
portions of waters which are located in areas of light
or moderate human habitation, little industrial
development, light-to-moderate agricultural
development and where the watershed is only moderately
influenced by man's activity.
Beneficial Uses:
Drinking water supply with treatment by disinfection
and filtration only, for agricultural use, aquatic
life and wildlife propagation, recreation, industrial
supply and aesthetics.
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State Water Use Classification
Class C Waters. Class C waters includes waters or
portions of waters which are located in areas of
moderate-to-urban human habitation, industrial
developments present in moderate amounts, agricultural
practices are intensive and where the watershed is
considerably altered by man's activity.
Beneficial Uses:
Domestic water supply following complete treatment,
agricultural use, aquatic life, wildlife propagation,
recreation, aesthetics, and industrial supply.
Class D Waters. This classification includes waters
or portions of waters located in areas of urban
development, highly industrialized or intensively used
for agriculture or combination of all the above and
where effluent sources include a multiplicity of waste
discharges from the highly altered watershed.
Beneficial Uses:
Boating and aesthetics, aquatic life, wildlife
propagation, agricultural use and industrial supply
except for food processing purposes.
29
Nev Hampshire Class A. Potentially acceptable for water supply uses
after disinfection. No discharge of sewage, wastes or
other polluting substances' into waters of this
classification. (Quality of water uniformly excellent.)
^
Class B. Acceptable for swimming and other
recreation, fish habitat, and after adequate
treatment, for use as water supplies. No disposal of
sewage or wastes unless adequately treated. (High
aesthetic value.)
Class C. Acceptable for recreational boating, fishing
or industrial water supply, with or without treatment,
depending on individual requirements. (Third highest
quality.)
New Jersey30 FRESH WATERS
Class FW1:
Definition: Those fresh waters that originate in and
are wholly within Federal or State parks, forests,
fish, and wildlife lands, and other special holdings,
that are to be maintained in their natural state of
quality and not subjected to any man-made wastewater
discharges.
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State Water Use Classification
Designated Uses:
(1) Set aside for posterity to represent the natural
aquatic environment and its associated biota,
(2) Primary and secondary contact recreation,
(3) Maintenance, migration and propagation of the
natural and established aquatic biota,
(A) Any other reasonable uses.
Class FV2:
Definition: General surface vater classification
applied to those fresh waters that are not designated
as Ftfl or Pinelands Waters.
Designated Uses:
(1) Maintenance, migration and propagation of the
natural and established biota,
(2) Primary and secondary contact recreation,
(3) Industrial and agricultural water supply,
(4) Public potable water supply after such treatment
as required by law or regulation,
(5) Any other reasonable uses.
Class PL:
Definition: General surface water classification
applied to. Pinelands Waters.
Designated Uses:
(1) Cranberry bog water supply and other agricultural
uses,
(2) Maintenance, migration and propagation of the
natural and established biota indigenous to this
unique ecological system,
(3) Public potable water supply after such treatment
as required by law or regulations,
(4) Primary and secondary contact recreation,
(5) Any other reasonable uses.
Class SB:
Definition: General surface water classification
applied to saline waters of estuaries.
SE1 Designated Uses:
(1) Shellfish Harvesting in accordance vith N.J.A.C
7:12,
(2) Maintenance, migration, and propagation of the
natural and established biota,
(3) Primary and secondary contact recreation,
(4) Any other reasonable uses.
SE2 Designated Uses:
(1) Maintenance, migration and propagation of the
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State Eater Use Classification
natural and established biota,
(2) Migration of diadromous fish,
(3) Maintenance of wildlife,
(4) Secondary contact recreation,
(5) Any other reasonable uses.
SE3 Designated Uses:
(1) Secondary contact recreation,
(2) Maintenance and migration of fish populations,
(3) Migration of diadromous fish,
(4) Maintenance of wildlife,
(5) Any other reasonable uses.
Class SC:
Definition: General surface water classification
applied to coastal saline waters.
Designated Uses:
(1) Shellfish harvesting in accordance with N.J.A.C.
7:12,
(2) Primary and secondary contact recreation,
(3) Maintenance, migration and propagation of the
natural and established biota,
(4) Any other reasonable uses.
Nev Mexico Designated Uses:
Industrial water supply; irrigation; livestock and
wildlife watering; secondary contact recreation;
warmwater fishery; or primary contact plus above;
limited warmwater fishery; coldwater fishery; marginal
coldwater fishery; high quality cold water fishery;
domestic water supply; fish culture; irrigation
storage; municipal water supply.
For specific stream use designations, see p 856:1002 -
856:1011, Environment Reporter.
New York32 Class N Waters
Best usage of waters. Enjoyment of water in its
natural condition and where compatible, as source of
water for drinking or culinary purposes, bathing,
fishing and fish propagation, recreation and any other
usages except for the discharge of sewage, industrial
wastes or other wastes or any sewage or waste effluent.
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State Water Use Classification
Class AA
Best usage of waters. Source of water supply for
drinking, culinary or food processing purposes and any
other usages.
Conditions related to best usage of waters. The
waters, if subjected to approved disinfection
treatment, with additional treatment if necessary to
remove naturally present impurities, will meet New
York State Department of Health drinking water
standards and will be considered safe and satisfactory
for drinking water purposes.
Class A
Best usage of waters. Source of water supply for
drinking, culinary or food processing purposes and any
other usages.
Conditions related to best usage of waters. The
waters, if subjected to approved treatment equal to
coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and
disinfection, with additional treatment if necessary
to reduce naturally present impurities will meet New
York State Department of Health drinking water
standards and will be considered safe and satisfactory
for drinking water purposes.
Class B
Best usage of waters. Primary contact recreation and
any other uses except as a source of water supply for
drinking, culinary or food processing purposes.
Class C
Best usage of waters. Suitable for fishing and all
other uses except as a source of water supply for
drinking, culinary or food processing purposes, and
primary contact recreation.
Class D
Best usage of waters. These waters are suitable for
secondary contact recreation, but due to such natural
conditions as intermittency of flow, water conditions
not conducive to propagation of game fishery or stream
bed conditions, the waters will not support the
propagation of fish.
Conditions related to best usage of waters. The
waters must be suitable for fish survival.
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State ffater Use Classification
Class SA
Best usage of waters. The waters shall be suitable
for shellfishing for market purposes and primary and
secondary contact recreation.
Class SB
Best usage of waters. The waters shall be suitable
for primary and secondary contact recreation and any
other use except for the taking of shellfish for
market purposes.
Class SC
Best usage of waters. The waters shall be suitable
for fishing and all other uses except for primary
contact recreation and for the taking of shellfish for
market purposes.
Class SD
Best usage of waters. All waters not primarily for
recreational purposes, shellfish culture or the
development of fish life and because of natural or
man-made conditions cannot meet the requirements of
these uses.
Class AA Special
Best usage of waters. Any usage except for disposal of
sewage, industrial wastes or other wastes.
Class I
Best usage of waters. The waters shall be suitable
for secondary contact recreation and any other usage
except for primary contact recreation and shellfishing
for market purposes.
Class II
Best usage of waters. All waters not primarily for
recreational purposes, shellfish culture or the
development of fish life.
North Carolina33 FRESH SURFACE WATER CLASSIFICATIONS STANDARDS
All fresh surface waters:
Best usage of waters. Fishing, secondary recreation,
agriculture and any other usage except for primary
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State Water Use Classification
recreation or as a source of water supply for
drinking, culinary or food processing purposes.
Conditions related to best usage. The waters will be
suitable for fishing and fish and wildlife
propagation, secondary recreation, and agriculture.
Class WS-I Waters:
Best Usage of waters: Source of water supply for
drinking, culinary, or food-processing purposes or any
other usage requiring waters of lower quality.
Conditions related to best usage: This class is
intended primarily for waters having watersheds which
are uninhabited and otherwise protected as required by
the Division of Health Services and which require only
approved disinfection, with additional treatment when
necessary to remove naturally present impurities, in
order to meet the maximum contaminant levels
considered safe for drinking, culinary, and food
processing purposes which are specified in the
national drinking water regulations and in the North
Carolina Rules Governing Public Water Supplies, 10
NCAC 10D .1600.
Class VS-II Waters.
Best usage of waters. Source of water supply.for
drinking, culinary, or food processing purposes for
those users desiring maximum protection for their
water supplies where a WS-I classification is not
attainable and any best usage specified for Class C
waters; this classification may also be used to
protect critical portions of the watershed of Class
WS-III waters.
Conditions related to best usage. Waters of this
class are protected as water supplies which are in low
to moderately developed (urbanized) watersheds; only
domestic wastewater discharges (excluding municipal
dischargers required to have a pretreatment program
according to 15 NCAC 2H .0904) and industrial
non-process discharges specifically approved by the
EMC are permitted in these watersheds; local
governments must have land use management programs to
protect these watersheds from pollution due to land
development and other nonpoint sources; the waters,
following treatment required by the Division of Health
Services, will meet the maximum contaminant levels
considered safe for drinking, culinary, and
food-processing purposes which are specified in the
national drinking water regulations and in the North
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State Water Use Classification
Carolina Rules Governing Public Water Supplies, 10
NCAC 10D .1600.
Class WS-III Waters.
Best usage of waters. Source of water supply for
drinking, culinary, or food-processing purposes for
those uses where more protected sources are not
feasible and any other best usage specified by the "C"
classification.
Conditions related to best usage. The waters, after
treatment required by the Division of Health Services,
will meet the maximum contaminant levels considered
safe for drinking, culinary or food-processing
purposes which are specified in the national drinking
water regulations and in the North Carolina rules
governing public water supplies, 10 NCAC 100.1600.
Class B Waters.
Best usage of waters. Primary recreation and any
other best usage specified by the "C" classification.
Conditions related to best usage. The waters will
meet accepted standards of water quality for outdoor
bathing places and will be of sufficient size and
depth for primary recreation purposes. Also, suitable
for other uses requiring waters of lower quality.
Class C Waters.
Best usage of waters. Fishing, secondary recreation,
agriculture, and any other usage except for primary
recreation or as a source of water supply for
drinking, culinary or food processing purposes.
Conditions related to best usage: The waters will be
suitable for fish and wildlife propagation. Also,
suitable for secondary recreation, agriculture,
and other uses requiring waters of lower quality.
TIDAL SALT WATER CLASSIFICATIONS STANDARDS
Class SA Waters
Best usage of waters. Shellfishing for market
purposes and any other usage specified by the "SB" or
"SC" classification.
Conditions related to best usage. Waters will meet
the sanitary and bacteriological standards as adopted
by the Commission for Health Services and will be
suitable for shellfish culture.
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State
ffater Use Classification
Class SB Waters.
Best usage of vaters. Primary recreation and any
other usage specified by the "SC" classification.
Conditions related to best usage. The waters vill
meet accepted sanitary standards of water quality for
outdoor bathing places and will be of sufficient size
and depth for primary recreation purposes.
Class SC Vaters.
Best usage of waters. Fishing, secondary recreation,
and any other usage except primary recreation or
shellfishing for market purposes.
Conditions related to best usage. The waters will be
suitable for fishing, fish and wildlife propagation,
secondary recreation, and other uses requiring waters
of lower quality.
North Dakota
34
Class I Streams
The quality of waters in this class shall be such as
to permit the propagation or life, or both, of
resident fish species and shall be suitable for
boating, swimming, and other water recreation. The
quality shall be such that after treatment consisting
of coagulation, settling, filtration, and
chlorination, or equivalent treatment processes, the
treated water shall meet the bacteriological,
physical, and chemical requirements of the State
Health Department for municipal use. The quality of
water shall be such as to permit its use for
irrigation, stock watering, and wildlife use without
injurious effects.
Class IA Streams
The quality of this class of waters shall be such that
its uses shall be the same as those identified for
Class I, except that treatment for municipal use may
also require softening to meet the chemical
requirements of the state department of health. The
physical and chemical criteria shall be those for
Class I, with some exceptions.
Class II Streams
The quality of this class of waters shall be such that
its uses shall be the same as those identified for
Class I, except that additional treatment may be
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State ffater Use Classification
required over that noted in Class IA to meet the
drinking water requirements of the state department of
health.
Class III Streams
The quality of this class of waters shall be suitable
for industrial and agricultural uses, i.e. cooling,
washing, irrigation, and stock watering. These
streams all have low average flows, and generally,
prolonged periods of no flow. The physical and
chemical criteria shall be those for Class II, with
some exceptions.
35
Ohio Vamrvater Habitat: These are waters capable of
supporting reproducing populations of warmwater fish
and associated vertebrate and invertebrate organisms
and plants on an annual basis.
Limited Varmvater Habitat: These are waters incapable
of meeting specific warmwater habitat criteria
necessary for the support of populations of fish and
associated vertebrate and invertebrate organisms and
plants either on a seasonal or year around basis due
to natural conditions, irretrievable, man-induced
conditions or the demonstration that meeting the
criteria would cause substantial and widespread
economic and social impact. Criteria for the support
of this use designation will' be the same as the
criteria for the support of the use designation
warmwater habitat. However, individual criteria will
be varied on a case-by-case basis and will supersede
the criteria for warmwater habitat where applicable.
Any exceptions from warmwater habitat criteria will
apply only to specific criteria during specified time
periods and/or flow conditions. Mine drainage
streams, i.e., those streams currently degraded by
mine drainage primarily resulting from inactive
surface and underground mining operations and
associated refuse piles, may be exempt from one or
more of the following criteria: pH, total dissolved
solids, iron, zinc. Allowable stream concentrations
for these exempted parameters will vary depending upon
the condition of the inactive mines in that area. The
limited warmwater habitat use designation must be
recommended in a written report approved by the
director. All stream segments designated limited
warmwater habitat will be reviewed on a triennial
basis (or sooner) to determine whether the use
designation should be changed.
Exceptional Warmwater: These are waters capable of
supporting exceptional or unusual populations of
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State Water Use Classification
warmwater fish and associated vertebrate and
invertebrate organisms and plants on an annual basis.
These would include waters of exceptional chemical
quality that support sensitive species of warmwater
fish, exceptionally diverse aquatic communities,
and/or outstanding recreational or commercial
fisheries. In addition to those stream segments
designated in rules 3745-1-08 to 3745-1-30 of the
Administrative Code, all publicly owned lakes and
reservoirs, except upground storage reservoirs, are
designated exceptional warmwater habitat.
Seasonal Salmorid Habitat: These are waters capable
of supporting the passage of salmonids from October
through May and are water bodies large enough to
support recreational fishing. This use will be in
effect the months of October through May. Another
aquatic life habitat use designation will be enforced
the remainder of the year (June through September.)
Coldwater Habitat: These are waters capable of
supporting populations of coldwater fish and
associated vertebrate and invertebrate organisms and
plants on an annual basis. These waters are not
necessarily capable of supporting successful
reproduction of salmonids and may be periodically
stocked with these species.
Nuisance Prevention: These waters include acid mine
drainage s'treams where the infauna is substantially
degraded and other heavily polluted stream segments
where the fauna is degraded and the potential aquatic
life use is not being attained due to irretrievable,
man-induced conditions or the demonstration that
meeting criteria for the support of a balanced aquatic
community would cause substantial and widespread
economic and social impact. This designation must be
recommended in a written report approved by the
Director. All stream segments designated Nuisance
Prevention will be reviewed on a triennial basis (or
sooner) to determine whether the use designation
should be changed. The Nuisance Prevention criteria
represent the minimum water quality to be met in all
surface waters of the State, outside the mixing zone.
Public Water Supply: These are waters that with
conventional treatment will be suitable for human
intake and meet federal regulations for drinking water.
Agricultural Water Supply: These waters are suitable
for irrigation and livestock watering without
treatment.
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State Water Use Classification
Industrial Water Supply: These are waters suitable
for commercial and industrial uses, with or without
treatment. Criteria for the support of the industrial
water supply use designation will vary with the type
of industry involved.
Recreational: These use designations are in effect
only during the recreation season, which is the period
from May first to October fifteenth, for all streams
except those designated seasonal salmonid habitat.
The recreation season for streams designated seasonal
salmonid habitat is June first to September thirtieth.
Bathing Waters: These are waters that, during the'
recreation season, are suitable for swimming where a
lifeguard and/or bathhouse facilities are present, and
include any additional such areas where the water
quality is approved by the director.
Primary Contact: These are waters that, during the
recreation season, are suitable for full body contact
recreation, such as, but not limited to, swimming,
canoeing, and scuba diving with minimal threat to
public health as a result of water quality.
Secondary Contact Recreation: These are waters that,
during the recreation season, are suitable for partial
body contact recreation such as, but not limited to
wading with minimal threat to public health as a
result of water quality.
Oklahoma Public and Private Water Supplies:
The quality of the surface waters of the State which
are designated as public and private water supplies
shall be protected, maintained, and improved, when
feasible, so that they can be used as sources of
public and private raw water supplies.
Drinking water standards dictate the quality of water
that should be achieved in municipal water
distribution system without reference to desirable raw
water quality. Although it is possible to renovate
highly polluted surface waters to these standards, the
process required would be both complex and expensive.
Raw water quality criteria have been developed to aid
in the selection of water sources so that the water
supply chosen can, by commonly proven, applied
treatment processes, achieve the drinking water
standards, all within reasonable economic limits.
Emergency Public and Private Water Supplies:
During emergencies, those waters designated Emergency
Public and Private Water Supplies may be put to use.
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State Water Use Classification
Each emergency vill be handled on a case-by-case
basis, and be thoroughly evaluated by the appropriate
State agencies and/or local health authorities.
Fish and Wildlife Propagation:
Unpolluted vaters support more diverse aquatic
communities while only tolerant species can survive in
comparatively polluted waters. In addition, waters
which have diverse habitats will contain more species
than waters with limited habitat variation. The
impact of a given chemical or physical constituent on
a biological community is not mutually exclusive of
other constituents since synergistic interactions are
common. Aside from the aesthetic qualities of fish
and wildlife, it should be realized that the health of
these communities of organisms can act as an index
which reflects overall environmental welfare and
potential health of neighboring human populations.
Agriculture (Livestock and Irrigation):
Proper water quality is essential for irrigation of
crops and livestock consumption. The surface waters
of the State shall be maintained so that toxicity does
not inhibit continued ingestion by livestock or
irrigation of crops. Excessive concentrations of
minerals in irrigation water result in damage to crops
and produce undesirable soil conditions. -Highly
saline water should .be used with best management
practices as outlined in "Diagnosis and Reclamation of
Saline Soils," United States Department of Agriculture
Handbook No. 60, (1958).
Hydro-Electric Power Generation:
This beneficial use is not generally dependent upon
water quality.
Industrial and Municipal Process and Cooling Water:
Quality criteria for water used for process or cooling
purposes vary with the type of industrial or municipal
processes involved. This use will be protected by
application of the criteria for other beneficial uses.
Primary Body Contact Recreation:
Primary Body Contact Recreation involves direct body
contact with the water where a possibility of
ingestion exists. In these cases, the water shall not
contain chemical, physical, or biological substances
in concentrations that are irritating to skin or sense
organs or are toxic or cause illness upon ingestion by
human beings.
Secondary Body Contact Recreation:
The water quality requirements for Secondary Body
Contact Recreation are usually not as stringent as for
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State Water Use Classification
Primary Body Contact Recreation. Secondary body
contact recreational activities include boating,
fishing, wading or other activities where ingestions
of water is not anticipated. Waters shall be
maintained to be free from human pathogens in numbers
which may produce adverse health effects in humans.
Navigation:
This beneficial use is generally more dependent on
water quantity than water quality.
Aesthetics:
To be aesthetically enjoyable, the surface waters of
the State must be free from floating materials and
suspended substances that produce objectionable color
and turbidity. The waters must also be free from
noxious odors and tastes, and from materials that
settle to form objectionable deposits, and discharges
that produce undesirable or nuisance aquatic life.
For beneficial uses of specific waters, refer to
Environment Reporter p. 881:1017-1056.
37
Oregon Final version not available.
38
Pennsylvania Protected Uses:
AQUATIC LIFE
Cold Water Fishes - Maintenance and/or propagation of
fish species including the family Salmonidae and
additional flora and fauna which are indigenous to a
cold water habitat.
Warm Water Fishes - Maintenance and propagation of
fish species and additional flora and fauna which are
indigenous to a warm water habitat.
Migratory Fishes - Passage, maintenance and
propagation of anadromous and catadromous fishes and
other fishes which ascend to flowing waters to
complete their life cycle.
Trout Stocking - Maintenance of stocked trout from
February 15 to July 31 and maintenance and propagation
of fish species and additional flora and fauna which
are indigenous to a warm water habitat.
WATER SUPPLY
Potable Water Supply - Use by the public as defined by
the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, or by other water
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State Vater Use Classification
users that require a permit from the Department under
The Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act, after
conventional treatment for drinking, culinary, and
other purposes, such as inclusion into foods, either
directly or indirectly.
Industrial Water Supply - Use by industry for
inclusion into nonfood products, processing and
cooling.
Livestock Water Supply - Use by livestock and poultry
for drinking and cleansing.
Wildlife Water Supply - Use for vaterfovl habitat and
for drinking and cleansing by wildlife.
Irrigation - Used to supplement precipitation for
growing crops.
RECREATION
Boating - Use of the water for power boating, sail
boating, canoeing, and rowing for recreational
purposes when surface water flow or impoundment
conditions allow.
Fishing - Use of the water for the legal taking of
fish.
Water Contact Sports - Use of the water for swimming
and related activities.
Esthetics - Use of the water as an esthetic setting to
recreational pursuits.
SPECIAL PROTECTION
High Quality Waters - A stream or watershed which has
excellent quality waters and environmental or other
features that require special water quality protection.
Exceptional Value Waters - A stream or watershed which
constitutes an outstanding national, state, regional
or local resource, such as waters of national, state
or county parks or forests, or waters which are used
as a source of unfiltered potable water supply, or
waters of wildlife refuges or state game lands, or
waters which have been characterized by the Fish
Commission as "Wilderness Trout Streams," and other
waters of substantial recreational or ecological
significance.
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State Water Use Classification
OTHER
Navigation - Use of the vater for the commercial
transfer and transport of persons, animals and goods.
Rhode Island39 FRESH WATER
Class A. Drinking vater supply
Class B. Public water supply with appropriate
treatment.
- agricultural uses
bathing, other primary contact recreational
activities
- fish and wildlife habitat
Class C. Boating, other secondary contact
recreational activities
- fish and wildlife habitat
- industrial processes and cooling
Class D. Migration of fish
- good aesthetic value
Class E. Nuisance conditions, uses limited to:
- certain industrial processes and cooling
- power
- navigation
SEA WATER
Class SA. Bathing and contact recreation
- shellfish harvesting for direct human consumption
- fish and wildlife habitat
Class SB. Shellfish harvesting for human consumption
after depuration
bathing, other primary contact recreational
activities
- fish and wildlife habitat
Class SC. Boating, other secondary contact
recreational activities
- fish and wildlife habitat
- industrial cooling
- good aesthetic value
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State ffater Use Classification
OTHER
Navigation - Use of the water for the commercial
transfer and transport of persons, animals and goods.
Rhode Island39 FRESH WATER
Class A. Drinking water supply
Class B. Public water supply with appropriate
treatment.
- agricultural uses
bathing, other primary contact recreational
activities
- fish and wildlife habitat
Class C. Boating, other secondary contact
recreational activities
- fish and wildlife habitat
- industrial processes and cooling
Class D. Migration of fish
- good aesthetic value
Class E. Nuisance conditions, uses limited to:
- certain industrial processes and cooling
- power
- navigation
SEA WATER
Class SA. Bathing and contact recreation
- shellfish harvesting for direct human consumption
- fish and wildlife habitat
Class SB. Shellfish harvesting for human consumption
after depuration
bathing, other primary contact recreational
activities
- fish and wildlife habitat
Class SC. Boating, other secondary contact
recreational activities
- fish and wildlife habitat
- industrial cooling
- good aesthetic value
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State Water Use Classification
40
South Carolina Class AA. Freshwaters which constitute an outstanding
recreational or ecological resource or those waters
suitable as a source for drinking water supply
purposes with treatment levels as specified by the
Department. Suitable also for uses for uses listed in
Class A and Class B.
Class A-Trout. Freshwaters suitable for supporting
reproducing trout populations and a cold water
balanced indigenous aquatic community of fauna and
flora. Suitable also for uses listed in Class A and
Class B.
Class A. Waters suitable for primary contact
recreation. Also suitable for uses listed in Class B.
Class B-Trout. Freshwaters suitable for supporting
reproducing trout populations and a cold water
balanced indigenous aquatic community of fauna and
flora. Suitable also for uses listed in Class B.
Class B. Freshwaters suitable for secondary contact
recreation and as a source for drinking water supply
after conventional treatment in accordance with
requirements of the Department. Suitable for fishing
and the survival and propagation of a balanced
indigenous aquatic, community of fauna and flora.
Suitable also for industrial and agricultural uses.
Class SAA. Tidal saltvaters which constitute an
outstanding recreational or ecological resource.
Suitable also for uses listed in Class SA, Class SB,
and Class SC.
Class SA. Tidal saltwaters suitable for the
harvesting of clams, mussels, or oysters for market
purposes or human consumption. Suitable also for uses
listed in Class SB and SC.
Class SB. Tidal saltwaters suitable for primary
contact recreation. Suitable also for uses listed in
Class SC.
Class SC. Tidal saltwaters suitable for secondary
contact recreation, crabbing, and fishing, except
harvesting of clams, mussels, or oysters for market
purposes or human consumption. Also suitable for the
survival and propagation of a balanced marine fauna
and flora.
Class GA. Those ground waters that are highly
vulnerable to contamination because of the
hydrological characteristics of the areas under which
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State
South Dakota
41
Water Use Classification
they occur and that are also characterized by either
of the following two factors:
o Irreplaceable, in that no reasonable alternative
source of drinking water is available to substantial
populations; or
o Ecologically vital, in that the aquifer provides
the base flow for a particularly sensitive ecological
system that, if polluted, would destroy a unique
habitat.
Class GB. All ground waters of the State, unless
classified otherwise, which meet the definition of
underground sources of drinking water (USDV) as
defined in Section B.
Class GC. Those- ground waters not considered
potential- sources of drinking water and of limited
beneficial use. These ground waters also must not
migrate to GA or GB ground waters or have a discharge
to surface water that could cause degradation.
Beneficial uses of public waters established. The
beneficial use classifications of lakes and streams
established in this section are not to be construed as
limiting the actual use of such waters. The
classifications designate the quality at which the
waters of the lakes and streams are to be maintained.
The following are beneficial use classifications:
(1) Domestic water supply waters;
(2) Coldwater permanent fish life propagation waters;
(3) Coldwater marginal fish life propagation waters;
(4) Varmwater permanent fish life propagation waters;
(5) Warmwater semipermanent fish life propagation
waters;
(6) Warmwater marginal fish life propagation waters;
(7) Immersion recreation waters;
(8) Limited contact recreation waters;
(9) Wildlife propagation and stock watering waters;
(10) Irrigation waters; or
(11) Commerce and industry waters.
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State ffater Use Classification
42
Tennessee A. Domestic Vater Supply
B. Industrial Water Supply
C. Fish and Aquatic Life
D. Recreation
E. Irrigation
F. Livestock Watering and Wildlife
G. Navigation
43
Texas Contact Recreation
.(7) Contact recreation Recreational activities
involving a significant risk of ingestion of water,
including wading by children, swimming, water skiing,
diving, and surfing.
Noncontact Recreation
(22) Noncontact recreation - Recreational pursuits not
involving a significant risk of water ingestion,
including fishing, commercial and recreational
boating, and limited body contact incidental to
shoreline activity.
Domestic Water Supply
(i) Public water supply. Segments designated for
public water supply those known to be used or
characteristics that would allow them to be used as
the supply source for community and non-community
water supply systems, as defined by regulations
promulgated pursuant to the federal Safe Drinking
Water Act (42 United States Code 300f et seq.).
Aquifer Protection
(ii) Aquifer protection. Segments designated for
aquifer protection are capable of recharging the
Edwards Aquifer. The principal purpose of this use
designation is to protect the quality of water
infiltrating into and recharging the aquifer.
Aquatic Life
(3) Aquatic life. The establishment of numerical
criteria for aquatic life is highly dependent on
desired use, sensitivities of usual aquatic
communities, and local physical and chemical
characteristics. Five subcategories of aquatic life
use are established. They include limited life
quality, intermediate quality, high quality, and
exceptional quality aquatic habitat and oyster waters.
Aquatic life subcategories designated for segments
listed in Appendix A of §307.10 of this title
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State ffater Use Classification
(relating to Appendices A through C) recognize the
natural variability of aquatic community requirements
and local environmental conditions.
Additional Uses
(5) Additional uses. Other basic uses, such as
navigation, agricultural water supply, and industrial
water will be maintained and protected for all water
in the state in which these uses can be achieved.
44
Utah Class 1. Protected for use as a raw water source for
domestic water systems.
a. Class 1A - Reserved.
b. Class IB - Reserved.
c. Class 1C - protected for domestic purposes with
prior treatment by treatment processes as required by
the Utah Department of Health.
Class 2. Protected for in-stream recreational use and
aesthetics.
a. Class 2A - protected for recreational bathing
(swimming).
b. Class 2B - protected for boating, water skiing,
and similar uses, excluding recreational bathing
(swimming).
Class 3. Protected for in-stream use by aquatic
wildlife.
a. Class 3A - protected for cold water species of
game fish and other cold water aquatic life, including
the necessary aquatic organisms in their food chain.
b. Class 3B - protected for warm water species of
game fish and other warm water aquatic life, including
the necessary aquatic organisms in their food chain.
c. Class 3C - protected for nongame fish and other
aquatic life, including the necessary aquatic
organisms in their food chain.
d. Class 3D - protected for waterfowl, shore birds
and other water-oriented wildlife not included in
Classes 3A, 3B, or 3C, including the necessary aquatic
organisms in their food chain.
Class 4. Protected for agricultural uses including
irrigation of crops and stockwatering.
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State
Water Use Classification
Class 5. Reserved.
Class 6. Waters requiring protection when
conventional uses identified in the above classes do
not apply;^Standards for this class are determined on
a case-by-case basis.
45
Vermont
Class A Waters
A. Management Objectives - To achieve and maintain
waters with a very high level of water quality which
is compatible with the following beneficial values and
uses:
1. Values - High quality waters which have significant
ecological value and water quality of a uniformly
excellent character.
2. Uses - As a source of public water supply with
disinfection when necessary and, when compatible, for
the enjoyment of water in its natural condition.
Class B Waters
A. Management Objectives - Class B waters shall be
managed to achieve and maintain a high level of
quality, which is compatible with the following
beneficial values and uses:
1. Values - Water which is of a quality which
consistently exhibits good aesthetic value and
provides high quality habitat for aquatic biota, fish
and wildlife.
2. Uses - Public water supply with filtration and
disinfection; irrigation and other agricultural uses;
swimming, and recreation.
Class C Waters
A. Management Objectives - Class C waters shall be
managed to achieve and maintain a good level of
quality which is compatible with the following
beneficial values and uses:
1. Values - Habitat suitable for aquatic biota, fish
and wildlife.
2. Uses - Recreational boating and any recreational or
other water uses in which contact with the water is
minimal and where ingestion of the water is not
probable; irrigation of crops not used for human
consumption without cooking; and compatible industrial
uses.
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State
Water Use Classification
Fish Habitat
Designation
To provide for the protection and management of
fisheries, the waters of the State are designated in
Appendix A as being either a cold or a warm water fish
habitat. Where appropriate, such designations may be
seasonal.
Virginia
46
Use Designations:
All state waters are designated for recreational use,
except for reasonable-sized mixing zones in waters
immediately beloi.' municipal and industrial discharges,
for example as provided in VR680-21-02.2 (General
Standards - Mixing Zones), and for the propagation and
growth of a balanced, indigenous population of fish,
shellfish and wildlife.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF WATERS WITHIN THE STATE:
I. Open Ocean
II. Estuarine Waters (Tidal Water-Coastal Zone to
Fall Line)
III. Non-Tidal Waters (Coastal Zone and Piedmont
Zones)
IV. Moutainous Zone Waters
V. Put and Take Trout Waters
VI. Natural Trout Waters
VII. Swamp Waters
VIII. Nutrient Enriched Waters
Washington
47
Class AA (EXTRAORDINARY).
(a) General Characteristic. Water quality of this
class shall markedly and uniformly exceed the
requirements for all or substantially all uses.
(b) Characteristic Uses. Characteristic uses shall
include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i) Water supply (domestic, industrial,
agricultural).
(ii) Stock watering.
(iii) Fish and Shellfish:
o Salmonid migration, rearing, spawning,
harvesting.
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State Vater Use Classification
o Other fish migration, rearing, spavning and
harvesting.
o Clam, oyster, and mussel rearing, spavning, and
harvesting.
o Crustaceans and other shellfish (crabs, shrimp,
crayfish, scallops, etc.) rearing, spavning, and
harvesting.
(iv) Wildlife habitat.
(v) Recreation (primary contact recreation, sport
fishing, boating, and aesthetic enjoyment).
(vi) Commerce and navigation.
Class A (EXCELLENT).
(a) General Characteristic. Water quality of this
class shall meet or exceed the requirements for all or
substantially all uses.
(b) Characteristic Uses. Characteristic uses shall
include, but are not limited to, the folloving:
(i) Water supply (domestic, industrial,agricultural).
(ii) Stock vatering.
(iii) Fish and shellfish, as described in Class AA.
(iv) Wildlife habitat.
(v) Recreation (primary contact recreation, sport
fishing, boating, and aesthetic enjoyment.)
(vi) Commerce and navigation.
Class B (GOOD).
a. General Characteristic. Water quality of this class
shall meet or exceed the requirements for most uses.
b. Characteristic Uses. Characteristic uses shall
include, but are not limited to, the folloving:
(i) Water supply industrial and agricultural.
(ii) Stock vatering.
(iii) Fish and shellfish, as described in Class AA.
(iv) Wildlife habitat.
(v) Recreation (secondary contact recreation, sport
fishing, boating, and aesthetic enjoyment.
(vi) Commerce and navigation.
Class C (FAIR).
a. General Characteristic. Water quality of this
class shall meet or exceed the requirements of
selected and essential uses.
b. Characteristic Uses. Characteristic uses shall
include, but not be limited to, the folloving:
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State
Water Use Classification
(i) Water supply (industrial).
(ii) Fish (salmonid and other fish migration).
(iii)Recreation (secondary contact recreation, sport
fishing, boating, and aesthetic enjoyment).
(iv) Commerce and navigation.
Lake Class.
a. General Characteristic. Water quality of this
class shall meet or exceed the requirements for all or
substantially all uses.
b. Characteristic Uses. Characteristic uses for
waters of this class shall include, but are not
limited, to the following:
(i) Water supply (domestic, industrial, agricultural).
(ii) Stock watering.
(iii) Fish and shellfish, as described in Class AA.
(iv) Wildlife habitat.
(v) Recreation (primary contact recreation, sport
fishing, boating, and aesthetic enjoyment.
(vi) Commerce and navigation.
West Virginia'
48
WQS, Leg. Rule, 20-5 & 20-5A, Series I, Sec. 5.3.b.6
6.1 These rules establish general Water Use
Categories and Water Quality Standards for the waters
of the State. Incidental utilization for whatever
purpose may or may not constitute a justification for
assignment of a Water Use Category to a particular
stream segment.
6.2 Category A - Water Supply, Public - This category
is used to describe waters which, after conventional
treatment are used for human consumption. This
category includes:
6.2.a All community domestic water supply systems;
6.2.b All non-community domestic water supply
systems, (i.e., hospitals, schools, etc.);
6.2.c All private domestic water systems; and
6.2.d All other surface water intakes where the
water is used for human consumption, and
6.2.e Shall apply to the stream segment extending
upstream from the intake for a distance as
defined in Section 7.1.b.2 of this series (see
Appendix B for partial listing).
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State Water Use Classification
6.3 Category B - Propagation and Maintenance of Fish
and Other Aquatic Life. This category includes:
6.3.a Category Bl - Warm Water Fishery Streams.
Streams or stream segments which contain a
fish population composed overwhelmingly of
warm water species. (These are primarily
sport fisheries and may be stocked with trout
seasonally.)
6.3.b Category B2 - Trout Waters - See Section 2 and
Appendix A for a representative list.
6.3.C Category B3 - Small Non Fishable Streams.
Streams or stream segments which because of
their size or flow patterns do not offer sport
fishing; they generally contain only minnows,
darters, etc.
6.4 Category C - Water Contact Recreation. This
category includes swimming, fishing, water skiing and
certain types of pleasure boating such as sailing in
very small craft and outboard motor boats.
6.5 Category D - Agriculture and Wildlife Uses.
6.5.a Category Dl - Irrigation. This category
includes all stream segments used for
irrigation.
6.5.b Category D2 - Livestock Watering. This
category includes all stream segments used for
livestock watering.
6.5.c Category D3 - Wildlife. This category
includes all stream segments used by wildlife.
6.6 Category E - Water Supply Industrial, Water
Transport, Cooling and Power. This category includes
cooling water, industrial water supply, power
production, commercial and pleasure vessel activity,
except those small craft included in Category C.
6.6.a Category El - Water Transport. This category
includes all stream segments modified for
water transport and having permanently
maintained navigation aides.
6.6.b Category E2 - Cooling Water. This category
includes all stream segments having one or
more users for industrial cooling.
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State
Vater Use Classification
6.6.c Category E3 - Power Production. This category
includes all stream segments extending from a
point 500 feet upstream from the intake to a
point one half (1/2) mile below the wastewater
discharge point. (See Appendix C for
representative list.)
6.6.d Category E4 - Industrial. This category is
used to describe all stream segments with one
or more industrial users. It does not include
water for cooling.
7.b.l.2 Each segment extending upstream from the
intake of a water supply public (Vater Use
Category A), for a distance of (5) miles or
to the headwater, must be protected by
prohibiting the discharge of any pollutants
in excess of the concentrations designated
for this Water Use Category in Section 8.
Provided, however, that within a zone
extending one half (1/2) mile above the
intake, the Chief, Division of Water
Resources, Department of Natural Resources,
may establish for any discharge effluent
limitations for the protection of human
health that require additional removal of
those pollutants. ' (If a watershed is not
significantly larger than either of the two
(2) zones above the intake the water supply
section may include the entire upstream
watershed to its headwaters.
Wisconsin
o Fish and Aquatic Life
o Recreational Use
o Public Water Supply
Wyoming
50
Vater Uses: The objectives of the Wyoming Water
Pollution Control Program are specifically designed to
maintain the best possible quality of waters
commensurate with the following uses:
a. Agriculture;
b. Fish and Wildlife;
c. Industry
d. Public Water Supply;
e. Recreation;
f. Scenic Value.
Surface Vater Classes and Uses: Of the uses listed
above, protection and propagation of fish is, for most
parameters, the use which requires the highest water
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State Water Use Classification
quality. Therefore, Wyoming's surface water classes
as defined below are based on this use.
There are four classes of surface water in Wyoming:
Class I. Those surface waters in which no further
water quality degradation by point source discharges
other than from dams will be allowed. In designating
Class I waters, the Environmental Quality Council
shall consider water quality, aesthetic, scenic,
recreational, ecological, agricultural, botanical,
zoological, municipal, industrial, historical,
geological, cultural, archaeological, fish and
wildlife, the presence of significant quantities of
developable water and other values of present and
future benefit to other people.
Class II. Those surface waters, other than those
classified as Class I, which are determined by the
Wyoming Game and Fish Department to be presently
supporting game fish or have the hydrologic and
natural water quality potential to support game fish.
Class III. Those surface waters, other than those
classified as Class I, which are determined by the
Wyoming Game and Fish Department to be presently
supporting non-game fish or have the hydrologic and
natural water quality potential to support
non-gamefish.
Class IV. Those surface waters, other than those
classified as Class I, which are determined by the
Wyoming Game and Fish Department not to have the
hydrologic or natural water quality potential to
support fish.
In addition to the above basic classes, all Class I,
II, and III waters shall receive sub-designation by
the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as either "cold
water" or "warm water" fisheries.
American Sanoa Fresh Surface Waters. Protected uses:
o Potable water supply
o The support and propagation of aquatic life and
wildlife.
o Aesthetic enjoyment; and
o Compatible recreation in and on the water e.g.
fishing and swimming.
Pago Pago Harbor. Protected uses:
o Recreation and subsistence fishing;
o Boat launching ramps and designated mooring areas;
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State Water Use Classification
o Subsistence food gathering, e.g. shellfish
harvesting;
o Aesthetic enjoyment;
o Whole and limited body contact recreation, e.g.
bathing swimming snorkeling and SCUBA diving;
o Support and propagation of marine life.
o Industrial water supply; and
o Mari-culture development.
Special Embayments, as Fagatele Bay and Pala Lagoon:
o Recreation and subsistence fishing;
o Subsistence food gathering, e.g. shellfish
harvesting;
o Aesthetic enjoyment;
o Whole and limited body contact recreation, e.g.
bathing, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and SCUBA
diving.
o Support and propagation of marine resources; and
o Mari-culture development.
Other Embayments. Protected Uses:
o Recreational and subsistence fishing;
o Boat launching ramps and designated mooring areas;
o Subsistence food gathering, e.g. shellfish
harvesting;
o Aesthetic enjoyment;
o Whole and limited body contact recreation, e.g.
bathing, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and SCUBA
diving;
o Support and propagation of marine life; and
o Mari-culture development.
Open Coastal Waters. Protected Uses:
o Commercial, subsistence and recreational fishing;
o Scientific research;
o Whole and limited body contact recreation e.g.
swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and SCUBA diving;
o Harbors and boat launching ramps;
o Commercial and recreational boating;
o The support and propagation of marine life; and
o Aesthetic enjoyment.
Oceanic Waters. Protected Uses:
o Commercial, subsistence and recreational fishing;
o Scientific research;
o Commercial and recreational boating;
o Support and propagation of marine life;
o Power generation and acceptable thermal discharges;
o Aesthetic enjoyment; and
o Whole or limited body contact recreation.
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State Vater Use Classification
District of Columbia
Beneficial Use Classes:
Class A waters shall be protected for primary contact
recreation.
Class B waters shall be protected for secondary
contact recreation and aesthetic enjoyment.
Class C waters shall be protected for aquatic life,
waterfowl, shore birds and water oriented wildlife.
Class D waters shall be protected for use as a raw
water source for public water supply.
Class E waters shall be protected for use as a raw
water source for industrial water supply.
Class F waters shall be protected for navigational use.
Class G groundwaters are protected for multiple uses.
53
Guam Marine Waters.
Category M-l Excellent. The uses to be protected in
this category of waters are conservation of wilderness
areas including protection of natural aquatic life,
marine scientific research, aesthetic enjoyment and
recreation activities which are compatible with the
intended use. This category of water shall remain free
from pollution attribution to domestic, commercial and
industrial discharges, shipping and intensive boating,
maricultural, construction and other practices which
may impair their intended use. Furthermore, there
shall be no zones of mixing within this category of
water.
Category M-2 Good. The uses of these waters are
intended to protect the propagation and survival of a
balanced and indigenous population of marine organisms
particularly shellfish and coral reefs. Other
important and intended uses include mariculture
activities, aesthetic enjoyment and compatible
recreation inclusive of whole body contact and related
activities.
Category M-3 Fair. General use, commercial and
industrial uses are intended for this category of
marine water. Specific intended uses include the
following: shipping and navigation, marinas,
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State Water Use Classification
protection of aquatic life, industrial cooling, water
supply, aesthetic enjoyment and compatible recreation
of a limited body contact nature.
Surface Vaters.
Category S-l High. Surface waters within this zone
are used for drinking water resources, conservation of
wilderness areas, and propagation and preservation of
aquatic life and aesthetic enjoyment. It is the
objective that these waters shall be kept free of
substances or conditions attributable to domestic,
commercial and industrial discharges, or agricultural,
construction or other land-use practices into S-l
waters via discharge or as a result of land uses
adjacent to S-l waters. Mixing zones will not be
allowed within the boundaries of Category S-l.
Category S-2 Medium. Surface waters within this zone
are used for recreational purposes including water
contact recreation, for use as potable water supply
after adequate treatment is provided, and for
propagation and preservation of aquatic wildlife and
aesthetic enjoyment.
Category S-3 Lov. Surface waters within this zone
are primarily used for commercial, agricultural and
industrial water supply. Aesthetic enjoyment and
compatible recreation are acceptable in this zone, as
well as maintenance of aquatic life. Compatible
recreation may include limited body contact
activities. All discharges within this zone which are
not required to have construction and.or discharge
permits under existing regulations may be required by
the Agency to obtain such permits under these
regulations.
54
Northern Mariana Marine Vaters:
Islands
Class AA. The uses protected in this class of waters
are the support and propagation of shellfish and other
marine life, conservation of coral reefs and
wilderness areas, compatible recreation, oceanographic
research, and aesthetic enjoyment.
Class A. It is the objective of this class of waters
that their use for recreational purposes and aesthetic
enjoyment be protected.
Fresh Vaters:
Class 1. The uses to be protected in this class of
waters are for domestic water supplies, food
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State
Water Use Classification
processing, the support and propagation of aquatic
life, compatible recreation and aesthetic enjoyment.
Class 2. The uses to be protected in this class are
all uses compatible with the protection and
propagation of fish and other aquatic life, and with
recreation in and on these waters.
Puerto Rico
55
Class SA. Coastal waters whose existing
characteristics should not be altered in order to
preserve the existing natural phenomena.
Class SB. Coastal waters intended for uses where the
human body may come in direct contact with the water
(such as complete body submergence); and for use in
propagation and preservation of desirable species.
Class SC. Coastal waters for uses where the human
body may come in indirect contact with the water (such
as fishing, boating, etc.), and for use in propagation
and maintenance of desirable species.
Class SD. Surface waters intended for use as a raw
water source for public water supply, and propagation
and preservation of desirable species. These waters
cannot be safely used for primary and secondary
contact recreation, unless they comply with Section
2.2.4.B.10.
Class SB. Surface waters of exceptional ecological
value, whose existing characteristics should not be
altered in order to preserve the existing natural
phenomena.
Trust Territory
56
CLASSIFICATION OF COASTAL WATER USES
Coastal waters are classified in accordance with uses
to be protected in each class as follows:
Class AA. Uses to be protected include oceanographic
research, the support and propagation of shellfish and
other marine life, conservation of coral reefs and
wilderness areas, compatible recreation, and other
aesthetic enjoyment.
Class A. Uses to be protected include recreational
(including fishing, swimming, bathing, and other
water-contact sports), aesthetic enjoyment, and the
support and propagation of aquatic life.
Class B. Uses to be protected include small boat
harbors, commercial and industrial shipping, bait
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State
Water Use Classification
fishing, compatible recreation, the support and
propagation of aquatic life, and aesthetic enjoyment.
CLASSIFICATION OF FRESH WATER USES
Class 1. Uses to be protected include drinking water
supply, food processing, the support and propagation
of aquatic life, and compatible recreation.
Class 2. Uses to be protected in this class of waters
are bathing, swimming, the support and propagation of
aquatic life, compatible recreation, and agricultural
water supply.
Virgin Islands
57
Class A. Best usage of waters: Preservation of
natural phenomena requiring special conditions, such
as the Natural Barrier Reef at Buck Island, St. Croix
and the Under Water Trail at Trunk Bay, St. John.
Class B. Best usage of vaters: For propagation of
desirable species of marine life and for primary
contact recreation (swimming, water skiing, etc.).
Class C. Best usage of vaters: For the propagation
of desirable species of marine life and primary
contact recreation (swimming, water skiing, etc.).
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