State Coordination with the Public is Key to a
Successful Designated Use Revision

A EPA

The state identifies
the past and current
use of the
waterbody, the
problem limiting
attainment of the
use, and the actions
that would result in
attaining the use.

The state determines the highest
attainable use (HAU) and
documents findings in a use
attainability analysis (UAA).

The state proposes the HAU as the

new designated use.
The state holds public hearings and
requests public input.

The state adopts
the revised use
after considering
public input.

The state submits
the revised use and

supporting
documentation to
EPA for review.

The revised use is
CWA-effective upon
EPA approval.

The state holds
a public hearing
to review WQS,

including
designated uses,
at least once
every three
years.

DESIGNATED USE REVISION PROCESS

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ENGAGE THE PUBLIC AT EACH STEP

Collaborate with
stakeholders on
the use revision
process, such as

through a
workgroup or
survey.

Be transparent.

Request public
comment.

Clearly explain the
problem, the proposed
HAU, and how the
public can engage.

Office of Water 823-F-24-007

Consider all public

comments and
communicate how
public input was
used to revise the
designated use.

Provide the
response to
comments to
the public.

Keep the public
informed and
invite feedback on
water quality
progress.

Make monitoring
results publicly
available.

For more information on designated use revisions

visit the EPA's website.	g

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