\
*< PRO^°
fj
WATER QUALITY STANDARDS CRITERIA DIGEST
A COMPILATION OF FEDERAL/STATE CRITERIA ON
-BACTERIA-
*^5**ii»iiii!ii|
CT^I* II
— >; .1, r. i, :.
ll"ll(l'!l !'ll!'fll f|||H||iillT!aim^MmmC^Z_.
• P'"'I'M'1! lii!'Ti'111 ijii.'ii!iriii"iv'"- —
...'tL'V.iiil.'lliiJ.l.i!!;! !li;lil/ii'i:.iiUi!iWJ!l.liiUf.i :lli ~'
lfc.'illfcPW:
P
If Ip"
"VJtU>-,
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C.
-------
-------
INTBBDUCTION
This digest was compiled in order 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 bacteria
criteria for interstate waters. The water quality standards program is directed
by the Environmental Protection Agency, an independent regulatory agency which
has responsibility for approving State-adopted standards for interstate waters,
evaluating adherence to the standards, and overseeing enforcement of standards
compliance.
Standards, the first nationwide strategy for water quality management,
contain four major elements: the use (recreation, drinking water, fish and
wildlife propagation, industrial, or agricultural) to be made of the interstate
water; criteria to protect those uses; implementation plans (for needed in-
dustrial-municipal waste treatment improvements, among others) and enforcement
plans; and an antidegradation statement to protect existing high quality waters.
Minimum water quality criteria, or numerical specifications of physical,
chemical, temperature, and biological levels, are stated in the National Technical
Advisory Committee report to the Secretary of the Interior, Water Quality Criteria,
dated April 1, 1968, and published by the Government Printing Office, Washington,
B.C. Unavailability of the NTAC report before June 30, 1967--the date set by the
Water Quality Act of 1965 for formal adoption of State standards--resulted in
significant variations between the state-adopted and the NTAC minimum criteria.
Some standards were adopted and approved before the NTAC report became available.
Also, the Water Quality'Criteria report is subject to updating in light of new
scientific and technical information.
Although some bacteria, the pathogens,-are injurious to human life and
welfare, the majority, the saprophytes, when naturally occurring are beneficial.
Certainly, as the foundation of the food chain, bacteria are essential to life.
Bacteria act as anti-pollutant agents, and the dissolution of organic matter is
the prime role of bacteria in stream self-purification. Because of this function,
certain types of bacteria are the workhorse of biological sewage treatment plants.
Bacteria are grouped into aerobic and anaerobic classes. Aerobic bacteria
thrive in the presence of 02 (free oxygen); anaerobic bacteria thrive in the
absence of free oxygen. Pollution can cause a superabundance of the saprophyte
population. Nutrients such as organic matter (sewage, improperly stabilized wood
pulp) and other oxygen-demanding wastes, toxic or other chemical^ and phosphorus,
among other pollutants, can promote nuisance growths and undesirable conditions
for aquatic life and recreational and aesthetic water uses. They can consume
the free oxygen and create favorable conditions for the growth of anaerobic bacteria.
Anaerobic bacteria are a major factor in lake "deaths."
Fecal £oliform bacteria are used as an indicator of the possible presence
of pathogens in water. The Water Quality Criteria report gives permissible coliform
levels of 10,000/100 ml.(milliliters) and fecal coliform levels of 2,000/100 ml.
Desirable criteria levels are given as 100/100 ml. for coliform groups and 20/100 ml.
for fecal coliform groups. It states that these "microbiological limits"are:monthly
arithmetic averages based upon an adequate number of samples. Total coliform limit
may be relaxed if fecal coliform concentration does not exceed the specified limit."
Since water quality standards experience revisions and upgrading from time
to time, following procedures set forth in the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act, individual entries in this digest may be superseded. As these revisions are
accomplished, this digest will be updated and reissued. Because this publication
is not intended for use other than as a general information resource, for the
latest information, and for special purposes and applications, refer to the existinj
approved water quality standards which can be obtained from the State water polluti<
control agencies or EPA Washington, D.C. -or-regional offices.•- = • . . '•••'
Individual State-adopted criteria fibllow.
-------
KEY
PWS Public Water Supply
FP/L Fish $ Wildlife
Rec. Recreation
Agric. Agricultural
Ind. Industrial
MF Millipore Filter
MPN Most Probable Number
NOTE: Numerical references are stated in terms of mg/1 (Milligrams per Liter),
-------
BACTERIA
National Technical Advisory Committee Recommendations:
PWS 2000/100 ml fecal coliforms pprm-j<.«;ihi<- 20/100 fecal conforms
10,000/100 total coli'orrs FermisslDie ioo/100total coliforms
Rec. Primary: log mean 200/100; not more than 101 of samples to
exceed 400/100.
Secondary: log mean 1,000/100: not more than 101 of samples to
exceed 2,000/100
Shellfish Median 70/100 total, not more than 101 of samples to exceed
230/100 (5-tube decimal dilution test) or 330/100 (3-tube
decimal dilution test) in areas most probably exposed to
fecal contamination during most unfavorable hydrographic and
pollution conditions. (National Shellfish Sanitation Program Manual
of Operation Standards.)
* * *
Alabama (EPA Proposal of water quality standards.)
PWS: NTAC levels.
Primary contact recreation: 100/100 geometric mean fecal coliforms in
coastal waters. 200/100 fecal'coliforms in fresh water. Where the
geometric mean exceeds these levels, bacterial quality is acceptable
only if a "second detailed sanitary survey and evaluation discloses no
significant public health risK.
F SWLj Geometric mean fecal coliforms 100/100; no sample to exceed
Shellfish: National Shellfish Sanitation Program Manual of
Operations limits incorporated by reference.
Alaska CLASS A (PWS without treatment): Monthly average less than 50/100
total coliform.
B (PWS with treatment): Monthly average less than 2000/100 total
coliform; not more than 20% of samples should exceed this number.
C (Primary contact rec.): Monthly average less than 1000/100 total
coliform, with 20% of samples not to exceed this number. No sample
shall exceed 2,400/100.
D (F § WL) - Same as "C." -
E (Shellfish)- National Shellfish Sanitation Program Manual of
Operations limits incorporated by reference.
F (Agricultural) - Average less than 1,000/100 with 20% of
samples not to exceed 2,400/100.
G (Industrial) - Limits for "C" should be met when worker contact
is required.
-------
CLASS
Arizona A (Domestic § Industrial): All waters except primary contact
recreation, geometric mean 1000/100 fecal coliforms, nor more than
of samples exceed 2,000/100.
B (Primary contact recreation): Geometric mean 200/100 fecal coliforms,
nor more than 10% of samples exceed 400/100.
C (F § WL): Same as A-B.
Arkansas Primary contact recreation: Monthly arithmetic average of 1000/100
total coliform; nor exceed this numher in more than 20% of samples
per month; nor exceed 2,400/100 any day except during storm water
run-off, provided that no fecal contamination is known to be
present.
Other waters: Monthly average 5,000/100 total coliforms, not exceed this
numher in more than 201 of samples per month; nor exceed 20,000/100
in more than 5%. . f
California Criteria are assigned by specific region. The criteria below
are representative.
Shellfish: National Shellfish Sanitation Prqgram Manual of
Operations limits.
Primary contact recreation: Average 1000/100 total coliform;
not more than 201 of samples exceed this number; no sample over
10,000/100. Other regions employ. 200/100 fecal coliforms criteria.
Fish handling: E. coliform organisms less than 700/100; not
more than 5% exceed 700/100. Various regions specify no change
over background levels or none due to human wastes.
Class
Colorado A (PWS): Log mean 1000/100 fecal coliforms, nor exceed 2000/100 in more
than 10% of samples during month.
B.I. (Cold water fishery): Same as A.
B.2. (Warm water fishery): Same as A.
B.3. (Body contact sports): Monthly average 1000/100 total
coliform; nor exceed this in more than 20% of samples, nor
exceed,2,400/100 in any sample. Also, 100/100 fecal coliforms and
20/100 fecal streptococcus (both as average of 5 samples within
month).
Class
Connecticut A (PWS): Median 100/100 total coliform nor more than 500/100
in more than 10% of samples.
B (Bathing): Median 1000/100 total coliforms, nor exceed 2,400/100 in
more than 20% of samples.
-------
Connecticut
Delaware
District of
Columbia
Florida
Guam
CLASS
C (F § WL, secondary contact recreation): 30 day average
5,000/100 total coliform,nor exceed this in more than 20%
of samples.
D (Navigation, Industrial): None in concentrations that would
impair assigned usages.
Criteria are assigned by river basin. The criteria listed below
are representative.
Body contact recreation: Monthly arithmetic average 1000/100
total coliform during the recreation season; nor exceed this
number in more than 20% of samples per month; nor exceed 2,400/100 on
any day.
F § WL: Monthly arithmetic average not exceed 2,400/100'total
coliforms.
Shellfish: Median coliform 70/100; not more than 10% of samples
oridinarily exceed 230/100 (5-tube) or 330/100 (3-tube) in areas
most probably exposed to fecal contamination during most unfavorable
hydrographic and pollution conditions.
Criteria are assigned to specific waters. Potomac River, Md.
to Key Bridge--Primary contact recreation as a future anticipated
use (1975): Fecal coliform not to exceed 240/100 in 90% of
samples. Potomac River, Key Bridge to D.C.-Prince George's County
Line--Secondary contact recreation: Fecal colifomsnot to exceed .
a geometric mean of 1,000/100 nor equal or exceed 2,000/100 in
more than 10% of samples. Rock Creek (wading in upper reaches):
Fecal coliform not to exceed 200/100; not applicable during or
immediately following rainfall.
. (PWS): Monthly average 1,000/100 fecal coliforms; nor exceed this number
in more than 20% of the samples per month; nor exceed 2,400/100
on any day.
(Shellfish): Median coliform not exceed 70/100, not more than
10% of samples exceed 230/100 in areas most probably exposed to
fecal contamination during most unfavorable hydrographic and pollution
conditions.
(Body contact recreation): Monthly average 1000/100 total coliform;
nor exceed this number in more than 20% of samples; nor exceed
2,400/100 ml on any day.
PWS: No discharges. To extent discharges are occurring, fecal
coliforms not exceed arithmetic mean 20/100 ml.
Recreation: Fecal coliform not exceed arithmetic mean 200/100,
nor exceed 400/100 in more than 101 of samples.
-------
CLASS
Georgia (1) (PWS)
(a) (Requiring disinfection only): Mean 50/100 fecal coliforms;
not exceed 200/100 in more than 51 of samples during
90 days.
(b) (Requiring treatment): Mean 5000/100 fecal coliforms; not exceed
20,000/100 in more than 5% of samples during 90idays.
(2) (Recreation): Mean 1,000/100 fecal coliforms; not exceed 4,000/lPOin
more than 5% of samples during 90 days.
(3) (F § WL) : Same as (1) (b).
Shellfish: Median total coliform 70/100 not more than 10%
exceed 230/100 (5-tube) or,330/100 (3-tube); not in areas
most probably exposed to fecal contamination during most
unfavorable hydrographic and pollution conditions.
(4) (Agriculture): Mean 10,000/100 fecal coliforms; not exceed 40,000/100
in 5% of samples during 90 days.
(5) (Ind.): No coliform criteria.
(6) (Nav.): Same as (4). .,
Class
Hawaii AA (nearly pristine): Median 70/100 total coliforms; nor exceed 230/100
at any time.
A, 1 and 2 (all recreation; aesthetics): Total coliform median
1000/100, nor more than 10% of samples exceed 2,400/100. Fecal Coliforms:
Arithmetic average 200/100 during 30 days, nor more than .10%
exceed 400/100. Drinking and food processing following simple
chlorination, fecal coliform arithmetic mean 200/100.
B (small boat harbors-commerical, bait fishing): Fecal coliform
arithmetic average 400/100; nor more than 10% exceed 1000/100.
Idaho Bacteria criteria are adopted for individual waters.
Most rivers: Average 1000/100 fecal coliform; 20% of samples
not to exceed 2,400/100. '
Lower Snake,Palouse, Spokane and Moyie Rivers: Average 240/100
fecal coliforms;Pend Oreille River, Pend Oreille Lake, Priest Lake
and Coeur D'Alene Lake: Average 240/100 along shore line of lakes,
50/100 in main body of lake or stream. I
Illinois • General Standards (g) Based on a minimuTi of 5 samples taken over not mor
more than a 30 day period, fecal coliforms shall not exceed a geometric
mean of 200 per 100 ml, not shall more than 101 of the samples during
any 30 day period exceed 400 per 100 ml.
-------
Illinois geometric mean of 1000 per 100 nil. nor shall more than
samples during any 30 day period exceed 2000 per 100 ml.
Lake Michigan (d) Bases on minimum of 5 samples taken over not more than
a 30 day period, fecal coliforms shall not exceed a geometric mean of
20 per 100 ml.
Indiana PWS: Monthly average total coliform 5,000/100; nor more than
20% of samples exceed this; nor exceed 20,000/100 in more than
5% of samples.
Recreation:
Whole body contact: Monthly geometric mean fecal coliforms not exceed
200/100, nor exceed 400/100 in more than 10% of samples.
Partial body contact: Monthly geometric mean not exceed
1000/100, nor exceed 2000/100 in more than 10% of samples.
Iowa CLASS a- (PWS): Unsatisfactory when (1) sanitary survey indicates
probable presence of objectionable bacteria-bearing wastes,
or (2) 2000/100 fecal coliform limits exceeded during low
flow when such bacteria are from pollution by sewage.
c. (recreation--whole body contact): Unsatisfactory when a
sanitary survey indicates the probably presence of objectionable
bacteria-bearing wastes, or 200/100 fecal coliform limits are
exceeded during low flow when such bacteria are from pollution
from sewage.
Kansas PWS: 2,000/100 fecal coliform per sample.
Recreation including fishing: 200/100 fecal coliform per sample.
Body contact recreation: Monthly log mean fecal coliforms200/100;no more
than 10% of samples per month exceed 400/100 fecal coliforms.
Kentucky PWS: Monthly arithmetical average 5,000/100 total coliforms;not exceed
this number in more than 20% of the samples; nor exceed ?0,0on/inn jn
more than 5% of the samples.
Recreation including body contact: Average 1,000/100 total coliforms;
• not exceed this number in 20% of the samples; nor exceed 2400/100
on any day. If the level of total is exceeded, then fecal coliforms
standard to be used: During May-Oct, 200/100 fecal coliform monthly
geometric mean, nor exceed 400/100 in morp than 10% of the samples,
and during Nov-Apr. 1.000/100 fecal coliforms monthly geometric
nor exceed 2,000/100 in more than 10% of the
Louisiana Criteria are assigned by river basin.
are representative.
The criteria listed below
-------
Most fresh water areas, aquatic life and recreation: Monthly
median of total coliforms not exceed 1,600/100 ml, nor exceed
5,420/100 ml in more than 10% of the samples.
Coastal waters: Monthly median of total coliforms not exceed
70/100 ml, nor exceed 230/100 in more than 10% of the samples.
Mississippi River, Zone 2: Monthly median of total coliforms
not exceed 230/100, nor exceed 790/100 in more than 101 of the
samples.
Sabine River, Zone 2: Monthly median of total coliforms not
exceed 542/100, nor exceed 1750/100 in more than 10? of the
samples.
Maine CLASS A (highest classification, including PWS after disinfection):
100/100 total coliform bacteria.
B-l (body contact recreation, PWS after treatment): 300/100 total
coliforms 60/100 total coliform bacteria.
B-2 (body contact recreation): 1,000/100 total coliforms, 200/100
fecal coliforms.
C (recreational boating, F § WL): 5,000/100 total coliforms, 1,000/100
fecal coliforms.
D (power, nav., ind.): Coliform limits only in those amounts which
Commission determines will not indicate a condition harmful
to public health or impair assigned usages.
SA (all clean usages): Median total coliforms not exceed 70/100,
nor more than 10% of the samples exceed 230/100. Median fecal coliforms
not exceed 15/100, nor more than 10% of samples exceed 50/100.
SB-1 (all clean uses, including shellfishing): Shellfish areas
same as SA; non-shellfish areas median coliform 240/100, nor
more than 10% of samples exceed 500/100, and fecal not exceed
50/100 nor more than 10% exceed 150/100.
SB-2 (water contact recreation, shellfishing, etc.): Shellfish
areas same as SA; non-shellfish areas median coliform 500/100
nor more than 10% of the samples exceed 1,000/100, and fecal coliforms
not exceed 100/100 nor more than 10% exceed 200/100.
SC (recreational boating, etc.; shellfish to be harvested for
depuration purposes): Shellfish areas, median total coliforms not exceed
700/100 nor exceed 2,300/100 in more than 10% of the samples, '
and not exceed 150/100 fecal coliforms nor more than 10% exceed 500/100,
non-shellfish areas, median total coliforms not exceed 1.500/100 nor
exceed 5,000/100 in more than 10% of the samples, and not exceed
300/100 fecal coliforms nor more than 101 exceed 1,000/100.
-------
CLASS
SD (power, nav., ind.): Coliform limit only in those amounts which
Commission determines will not indicate a condition harmful
to public health or-impair assigned uses.
Maryland A (shellfish): MPN total coliforms less than 70/100; must
comply with sanitary and bacteriological standards of Manual
of Recommended Practices for Sanitary Control of Shellfish
Industry.
B (PWS and water contact recreation): Monthly average not
exceed 5,000/100, nor exceed this in more than 20% of samples,
nor exceed 20,000/100 in more than 5%. Recreation--Acceptable
when sanitary survey reveals no source of dangerous pollution
and fecal coliforms not exceed 24U/100. When fecal coliforms exceeds
that limit, water acceptable only if second detailed sanitary survey
discloses no significant public health risk.
C (F § WL): Same as B (water contact recreation).
Class
Massachusetts A (PWS): Not exceed 50/100 total coliform.
B (Water contact; PWS with treatment): Not exceed 1,000/100 total
cibliforms monthly average, nor exceed 2400/100 in more than 20% of
samples. f
C (recreational boating, F § WL): None in concentrations that
would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class.
D (aesthetics, power, nav., ind.): Same as C.
SA (body contact sports, shellfish): Median total coliforms 70/100,
not exceed 230/100 in more than 10% of samples during month.
SB (bathing, F § WL, restricted shellfish): Median total coliforms
700/100, not exceed 2300/100 in more than 10% of samples during month.
SC (recreational boating, F § WL): None in concentrations that
would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class.
Class
Michigan A(l) (PWS): Great Lakes and connecting waters, monthly average
not exceed 2000/100 total coliform nor 20% of samples exceed
that number. Other waters, monthly average not exceed 5,000/100 nor
20% of samples exceed that number, nor 5% of samples exceed
20,000/100.
A(2) (Ind.): Average not exceed 5,000 total coliforms nor 20% of
samples exceed 10,000/loo. Average fecal coliforms not exceed IOOG/100.
B(l) (body contact recreation): Average not exceed 1,000/100
total coliforms,"nor 20% of samples exceed 5,000/100. Average fecal
coliforms not exceed 100/100.
-------
CLASS
Michigan B(2) (partial body contact recreation): Average not exceed
5,000/100 total coliforms nor 20% of samples exceed 10..000/100.
Average fecal coliforms not exceed 1,000/100.
C (F 5 WL): Average not exceed 5,000/100 total coliforms nor 201 of
samples exceed 10,000/100. Average fecal coliforms not exceed 1000/100,
D (Agricultural): Same as C.
E (Commerical): Same as C, plus average fecal limit of
1,000/100.
Minnesota (1) Domestic Consumption:
A (without treatment): Total coliformsMPN 1/100.
B (with simple chlorination): Total coliformsMPN 50/100.
C (with treatment): Total coliformsMPN 4,000/100.
D (with additional treatment): Total coliformsMPN 4,000/100.
(2) Fisheries and Recreation:
A (body contact recreation): Total coliformsMPN 1,000/100.
B (body contact recreation: Total coliformsMPN 1,000/100.
C (boating): Total coliformsMPN 5,000/100.
(3) Industrial Consumption:
A (most industrial purposes without treatment): Total coliforms
MPN 5,000/100.
B (general industrial purposes, with moderate treatment):
Total coliforms MPN 5,000/100.
C (limited industrial purposes without high degree of
treatment): Total coliforms MPN 5,000/100.
(4) Agriculture and Wildlife:
A (irrigation): Total coliforms MPN 5,000/100.
B (livestock § wildlife): Total coliforms MPN 5,000/100.
(5) Navigation and Waste Disposal: Total coliforms MPN 5,000/100.
-------
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
CLASS
1. PWS: Monthly average fecal coliforms not exceed 5000/100, nor
exceed this in more than 20% of samples, nor exceed 20,000/100
in more than 5% of samples.
2. Shellfish: Meet requirements of National Shellfish Sanitation
Program Manual of Operations.
3. Recreation (include body contact) : Monthly average fecal coliforms
not exceed 1,000/100, nor exceed this in more than 20% of the
samples, nor exceed 2,400/100 at any time.
Criteria are assigned by river basin.
are representative.
The criteria listed below
Mississippi River, waters designated for whole body contact:
Fecal coliforms not exceed geometric mean of 200/100 ml, nor more than
10% of samples exceed 400/100 (not applicable when stream
affected by storm water runoff) .
Mississippi River, waters for PWS, boating, fishing: Fecal coliforms
not exceed 2,000/100 (not applicable when stream affected by
storm runoff) .
Missouri River: Same as Mississippi River PWS, etc.
Taneycomo: Same as Mississippi River body contact recreation.
CLASS
A (PWS after disinfection) : Average total coliform less than
50/100.
A (PWS after disinfection f, removal of natural impurities) :
Average total coliform less than 50/100 as result of domestic
sewage .
B (PWS after treatment) : Average total coliforms less than 1000/100 vhere
demonstrated to be result of domestic sewage; not more than 20%
of samples to exceed this value.
All other classifications: Same as B.
CLASS
A (PWS): Not exceed geometric mean 10,000/100 total coliforms
or 2,000/100 fecal coliforms; 20% of samples not exceed 20,000/100
total 6r 4,000/100 fecal coliforms.
B (full body contact sports) : Not exceed geometric mean 200/100
fecal coliforms and not exceed 400/100 in more than 10% of semples.
C (agricultural, partial body contact, F § WL) : Same as A.
Intermittent: Not exceed geometric mean of 20,000/100 total col if crms
or 4,000/100 fecal coliforms.
-------
10
Nevada
New
Hampshire
No criteria.
Class
A (highest quality; PWS after disinfection): 50/100 total ccliforms.
B (bathing): 240/100 total coliforms.
C (recreational boating): No criteria.
Class
New Jersey FW-1 (natural): No man-made wastewater discharges.
FW-2 (PWS after treatment, primary contact recreation): Fecal coliforms
geometric mean 200/100.
FW-3 (primary contact recreation): Same as FW-2.
TW-1 (tidal--PWS, shellfhshing): Shellfish, requirements of
National Shellfish Sanitation Program Manual of Operations;
Others, fecal coliforms geometric mean 200/100.
TW-2 (secondary contact recreation): Fecal coliforms geometric mean
770/100. 7
TW-3 (navigation, fish survival): Fecal coliforms geometric mean,
1,500/100.
CW-1 (ocean within 1,500 feet from shore: primary contact recrea-
tion): Fecal coliforms geometric mean 50/100.
CW-2 (ocean beyond 1,500 feet: secondary contact recreation):
Fecal coliforms geometric mean 200/100.
New Mexico
New York
North
Carolina
Criteria are assigned by river basin. The criteria listed
below are representative.
Pecos River (irrig., recreation, F § WL): Geometric average
fecal coliform 200/100.
Canadian River (PWS, fishery): Arithmetic average fecal coliforms
2.000/100; where body contact recreation, same as Pecos River.
Bacteria criteria established by state public health agency.
Class
A-l (PWS): Monthly average total coliforms 50/100.
A-11 (PWS after treatment): Monthly average total coliforms 5000/100
nor exceed this in more than 20% of the_samples, nor exceed 20,000/100
in more than 51 of the samples. Fecal coliforms not exceed monthly log
mean of 1,000/100, nor exceed 2,000/100 in more than 20% of
samples (not applicable during or immediately following rainfall).
B (bathing): Monthly log mean fecal coliforms not exceed 200/100 nor
exceed 400/100 in more than 201 of samples (not applicable during or
immediately following rainfall).
-------
11
North
Carolina
North
Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
CLASS
C (F § WL): Monthly log mean fecal coliforms not exceed 1000/100, nor
exceed 2,000/100 in more than 201 of samples (not applicable
during or immediately following rainfall). . .
D (agricultural, industrial): Monthly log mean fecal coliforms not
exceed 1,000/100, nor exceed 2,000/100 in more than 20% of samples
(not applicable during or immediately following rainfall).
SA (shell): Median total coliforms not exceed 70/100, not more than
of samples exceed 230/100 (S-tube)or 330/100 (3-tube) in areas most
probably exposed to fecal contamination during most unfavorable
hydrographic and pollution conditions.
SB (bathing): Same as B.
SC (F § WL, boating): Same as C.
Criteria'are assigned by river basin. The criteria listed below
are representative.
Red River of the North: Monthly arithmetic average total coliform
5,000/100, nor exceed this in more than 20% of samples, nor exceed
10,000/lOU in more than 5% of samples. Average arithmetic monthly total
c61iformsnot exceed 1,000/100 in Lake Ashtabula and Homme Dam
Reservoirs.
James River (PWS, ind.,rec., F f, WL) : Average arithmetic monthly
not exceed 1,000/100 total coliforms in the Jamestown Reservoir .Average
arithmetic monthly not exceed 3,000/100 in the river nor exceed
this number in more than 20% of samples, nor exceed 7,500/100 in more
than 5% of samples.
Footnote 1, all areas: In general, waters with coliform count of
1,000/100 or less are considered relatively safe for swimming.
Natural physical characteristics of the river banks and bed and
natural water turbidities in the area must also be considered.
PWS: Monthly average total coliform 5,000/100, nor exceed this
in more than 20% of samples, nor exceed 20,000/100 in more than
5% of samples.
Recreation,including water contact: Monthly average 1,000/100 total
coliforms, nor exceed this in more than 20% of samples, nor exceed
2,400/100 on any day.
Criteria are assigned by river basin.
are representative.
The criteria listed below
Salt Fork of Arkansas above Great Salt Plains (F § WL, recreation,
PWS): Sanitary survey required for bathing § PWS waters. PWS:
monthly average total coliform not exceed 5,000/100, nor exceed
this in more than 20% of samples, nor exceed 20,000/100 in more than
-------
12
Oklahoma 20% of samples, nor exceed 20,000/100 in more than 5% of
(Cont'd) samples. Body contact sports: Monthly average total coliforms
not exceed 1,000/100 during the recreational season, nor exceed
this in more than 201 of samples, nor exceed 2,400/100 on any
day except during periods of storm water runoff; provided, fecal
coliforms not exceed geometric mean 200/100, nor more than 10ft of sample?
exceed 400/100. Bacterial concentrations of other than natural
origin will be maintained below levels detrimental to beneficial
uses.
Oregon General Water Quality Standards: No discharge which will cause
in any waters: . . . Bacterial pollution . . . deleterious
to waters used for domestic purposes, livestock watering, irrigation,
bathing, or shellfish propagation, or be otherwise injurious to
public health. Special standards for Goose Lake, Klamath River,
Multnomah Channel, Willamette Paver, Grande Ronde River, Walla
Walla River and Snake River: Coliforms where associated with fecal
sources, average not to exceed 1,000/100, with 20% of samples
not to exceed 2,400/100.
Special standards for Columbia River: From eastern Oregon-Washington
boundary to Hwy. 5 bridge between Vancouver and Portland: Average
not to exceed 240/100 fecal coliform nor exceed this in more than
20% of samples. From bridge to mouth, same as special standard
for Goose Lake, etc.
Special standards for marine and estuarine water: For shellfish,
median not exceed 70/100. For others, same as upper Columbia.
Class
fl (includes areas of primary contact recreation): From 5/15 to
9/15, total coliforms not to exceed 1,000/100 ml monthly arithmetic
average, nor exceed this number in more than 2 consecutive samples,
nor exceed 2,400/100 in more than one sample. :
For the period 9/16-5/14, total coliform not to exceed 5,000/100
average, nor exceed this in more than 20% of samples, nor exceed
20,000/100 in more than 51 of samples.
f2 (includes areas of PWS and secondary contact recreation): Same
as winter period of fj.
f3 (includes areas of secondary contact recreation): Total coliforms
not to exceed 5,000/100 ml monthly geometric mean.
Class
Puerto Rico 5A (existing phenomena): No alterations.
SB (shellfish): Median value total coliform 70/100 ml:
• • r
SC (bathing): Total coliformsnot exceed 1,000/100 monthly median,
nor exceed this in more than 20% of samples, nor exceed 2,400/100 on
any day.
SD (marine life): Total coliformsnot exceed 5,000/100 monthly average.
SE (industrial); None.
Pennsylvania
-------
13
Class
Rhode Island A (uniformly excellect; all uses): Total coliforms not to exceed
median 100/100, nor more than 10% of samples exceed 500/100. ' c
B (primary contact recreation): Total coliforms not exceed median
of 1,000/100 nor more than 2,400/100 in more than 20%-of samples.
C (secondary contact recreation): None in concentrations that would
impair assigned uses.
D (navigation, etc.): Same as C.
SA (shell.): Total coliforms not to exceed median MPN of 70/100,
nor more than 10% of samples exceed 230/100 (5-tube) or 330/100 (3-tube)..
SB .(primary contact recreation; restricted shell, area): Total
coliforms not to exceed median 700/100, not more than 2,300 in
more than 10% of the samples.
SC (secondary contact recreation; fish and shellfish habitat): Same
as C.
SD (navigation, industry, etc.): Same as C.
NOTE: Bacteria surveys of sea waters should include sampling
during periods of most unfavorable hydrographic and pollution
conditions.
Class
South M (PWS with only disinfection and pH adjustment): Fecal coliforms
Carolina not.exceed 20/100 monthly arithmetic average.
A ('swimming): Fecal coliformsnot exceed geometric mean 200/100, nor
more than 10% of samples during 30 days exceed 400/100.
B (PWS, secondary contact recreation): Fecal coliforms not exceed
log mean 1,000/100 ml nor exceed 2,000/100 in more than 20% of
samples (not applicable during or following rainfall).
C (fish survival, industry, agriculture): Same as B.
SA (shellfish): Meet U.S. PHS standards (1965 revision).
SB (bathing): Same as A.
SC (all uses except shellfish mkt. and bathing): Same as B.
Class
1. (PWS): Total coliformsnot exceed. MPN or MF (Millipore Filter) of
5,000/100 monthly average, nor exceed this in more than 20% of samples,
nor exceed 20,000/100 in more than 5% of samples.
South
Dakota
-------
South
Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
14
CLASS
2.(fish life propagation): No criteria.
3(a) (immersion sports): Fecal coliform not exceed 200/100 monthly
average, nor exceed this in more than 20% of samples, nor
exceed 500/100 on any day during the recreation season.
3(b) (limited contact recreation): Fecal coliforms1,000/100 monthly
average, nor exceed this in more than 20% of samples, nor exceed
2,000/100 on any day during the recreation season.
4.(wildlife): No criteria.
5.(irrigation--applicable during the irrigation season only,
and only to waters used to irrigate root crops and recreation
areas): Fecal coliformsnot exceed 1,000/100 monthly average,
nor exceed 2,000/100 in any sample.
6.(commerce § ind.): No criteria.
7.(intermittent stream): Total coliform not exceed 20,000/100
monthly average, nor exceed in more than 20% of samples in month;
nor exceed 50,000/100 in any sample.
CLASS
1. (PWS): Total coliform not exceed 10,000/100 monthly average
(MPN or MF) nor exceed this in more than 201 of samples in month,
nor exceed 20,000/100 in more than 5% of samples. Values may be
exceeded provided organisms are known to be nonfecal. No disease
producing bacteria or other objectionable organisms shall be added
to surface waters which will result in their contamination to such
extent as to render water unsuitable for PWS after conventional treat-
ment.
2. (Ind.: No critera.
3. (F $ WL): No criteria.
4. (Rec.): Fecal coliform not exceed 5,000/100 monthly average,
nor exceed in more than 20% of samples during month, nor exceed
20,000/100 in more than 5% of samples. For water contact rec.,
fecal coliform not exceed 1,000/100 in 2 consecutive samples
May-Sept. Water areas near outfalls of domestic sewage treat-
ment plants are not considered suitable for water contact recreation.
Criteria are assigned by river basin. The criteria listed below
are representative. In addition, the following "General Statement"
applies:
Water oriented recreation, including water contact sports,
is a desirable use of the waters of the state everywhere. Water
contact activities in natural waters are not opposed by the state
health agency where routine sanitary surveys support such activities,
and where, in addition, as a flexible guide-line to te used in the
light of conditions disclosed by the sanitary survey, the geometric
means of the number of fecal coliform bacteria is less than 200/100
-------
15
ml and not more than 10% of the samples during any 30 day
period exceed 400/100. The policy is advisory only and in ho
way limits the responsibilities and authorities of local health
agencies.
It is highly desirable for waters comprising the raw water
supply to a public surface water treating plant that the total
coliform bacteria should not exceed 100/100 and the fecal coliform
bacteria should not exceed 20/100. Nevertheless, raw water
supplies to surface water treating plants shall not be deemed
unsatisfactory where the total coliform organisms do not exceed
20,000/100 and the fecal coliform organisms do not exceed 2,000/100.
The evaluation of raw water supplies cannot be reduced to the
simple counting of bacteria of any kind and the foregoing must be
used with judgment and discretion and this paragraph is not in-
tended to limit the responsibilities and authorities of res-
ponsible local governments or local health agencies.
Galveston Bay (includes swimming arid fishing): MPN log. ave. not
more than 70/100 ml.
Guadalupe Piver Tidal (includes swimming and fishing): MPN log.
ave. not more than 1,000/100.
Colorado River (including swimming and fishing): See "General
Statement."
Rio Grande River (including swimming and fishing): See "General
Statement."
Class
Utah A (PWS without treatment; recreation): Bacterial standards as
prescribed for drinking water by "PHS Drinking Water Standards', 1962."
B (PWS after disinfection; recreation): Monthly arithmetic mean
coliformsnot exceed 50/100 ml; 20% of samples may exceed this if
no more than 5% exceed 100/100.
\
C (PWS after treatment; recreation, excepting swimming unless
natural purification action results in quality consistent with class
"CR" standard and swimming is specifically approved by state
board of health): Monthly arithmetic mean total coliforms not to
exceed 5,000/100, except 20% of samples may exceed this if no more
than 5% exceed 20,000/100, and monthly arithmetic mean coliforms shall
not exceed 2,000/100.
CR (swimming): Monthly arithmetic mean coliformsnot exceed 1,000/100;
no more than 20% exceed this and no more than 5% exceed 4,000/100;
and monthly arithmetic mean fecal coliforms exceed 200/100, provided
no more than 10% exceed 400/100.
-------
Utah
Vermont
16
CLASS
D (limited irrigation, not including lawns, rec. areas,
dairy pastures, root crops or low growing crops for human
consumption): Monthly arithmetic mean coliformsnot exceed
5,000/100, except 20% of samples may exceed this if no more
than 5% exceed 20,000/100.
A (PWS with disinfection): Total coliformvnot exceed 100/100.
Fecal coliform:none attributable to discharge of domestic or
or industrial wastes.
B (PWS with treatment;bathing): Total colifomwnot exceed
500/100. Fecal coliform not exceed 200/100.
C (secondary contact recreation): Fecal coliformsnot to exceed
1,000/100.
D (supporting aerobic aquatic life, nav., ind., mixing zones):
Fecal coliform not to exceed 2,000/100.
Virginia
Virgin
Islands
Subclass A (PWS, secondary contact recreation): Fecal coliforms
not exceed log mean 1,000/100 ml. Not equal or exceed 2,000/100
in more than 10% of samples. Monthly average total coliformsnot
exceed 5,000/100; not more than this in more than 20? of samples;
net more than 20,000/100 in more than 51 of samples.*
Subclass B (PWS, primary contact recreation): Fecal coliform
not exceed log mean 200/100 ml. Not more than 101 of samples
exceed 400/100. Monthly average total coliformsnot exceed 2,400/100.
Not exceed this number in more than 20% of samples. Not applicable
during or immediately after rainfall.*
* With exception of coliform standard for shellfish, the enforceable
standards will be those pertaining to fecal coliform organisms.
The MPN concentrations are retained as administrative guides for
use by water treatment plant operators.
(open ocean or estuaries where shellfish beds present):
Not more than 70/100 coliforms.Not more than 10% of samples
greater than 230/100 (5-tube) or 330/100 (3-tube). . .
Class
A (natural phenomena): No change. ;
B (marine life): No criteria.
C (recreation): Fecal coliform not greater than 70/100 monthly
average.
D (harbors and docking): Fecal colifornEnot greater than 1,000/100
monthly average.
-------
17
Washington Statewide use classification system plus specific criteria for
specific areas.
Class • . .
AA Extraordinary (all uses): Total coliforms not exceed median
of 50/100 (fresh water) or 70/100 (marine) with less than 10% of
samples exceed 230/100 when associated with any fecal source.
A Excellent (PWS, swimming, shellfish reprod., rearing §
harvest): Total colifonrgnot exceed median values of 240/100
(fresh water) with less than 201 of samples exceeding 1,000/100
when associated with any fecal source or same as AA (marine).
B Good (swimming, shellfish reproduction and rearing, and
Crustacea (crabs, shrimp, etc.) harvest): Total coliforms not
exceed median values of 1,000/100, with less than 20% of samples
exceeding 2,400/100 when associated with any fecal source.
C Fair (comm., nav., boating): Total coliforms not exceed median
values of 1,000/100 when associated with any fecal source.
West Virginia Criteria are assigned by river basin.
Majority of river basins: Total coliforms not to exceed 1,000/100
monthly average, nor exceed this in 20% of samples, nor exceed
2,400/100 on any day.
Kanawha, Paver, Zone 2*, certain Bluestone River tributaries*,
and Youg'hiogheny River.*§** Tdtal coliforms not to exceed 5,000/100
monthly average nor exceed this in more than 20% of samples nor
exceed 20,000/100 in omre than 5% of samples. .
*Present uses and criteria to exist for a maximum of 5 years.
** Hrture uses and criteria will exist after suitable abatement is
effected. :
Class
Wisconsin (2) (PWS): Total coliformsnot to exceed 5,000/100 monthly
arithmetic average nor exceed this in more than 20% of samples,
nor exceed 20,000/100 in more than 5% of samples.
(4) (Recreation): Sanitary survey and/or evaluation to assure
protection from fecal contamination is the chief criterion.
Additional "Guidelines" as follows:
(a) Whole body contact: Arithmetic average total coliforms 1,000/100
or less and maximum not exceeding 2,500/100 during the recreation
season.
(b) Partial body contact: Arithmetic average total coliforms
5,000/100 or less and'no more than 1 of last 5 samples exceeding
20,000/100 during the recreation season.
-------
18
Wyoming State established "Basic Water Quality Standards" plus standards
for individual rivers.
Basic Standard: During recreation season (May 1-Sept 30), limited
body contact use: Fecal coliform, no samples shall exceed the
95% confidence limit of the historical average,in no case may
geometric mean of last 5 samples exceed 2,000/100, whichever is
the least.
Criteria assigned to specific areas: Fecal coliform not to exceed
240/100 as geometric mean of least 5 samples, nor exceed 250/100
in any one sample.
°U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1972 514-146/25 1-3
------- |