Water Quality >
Ground & Surface Water Quality Standards
> Surface Water Quality Standards
Surface Water Quality Standards
The
Water Quality Standards are the basis for protecting and regulating the
quality of surface waters in Washington.
Learn more about the Surface Water Quality Standards and how
they interact with the waters of Washington State.
Learn more about how designated uses have sometimes been
called “beneficial uses” and include public water supply,
protection for fish, shellfish, and wildlife, as well as
recreational, agricultural, industrial, navigational and
aesthetic purposes.
Learn more about fresh and marine water quality criteria
developed to provide protection for designated uses.
Learn more about how the surface water quality standards help
prevent unnecessary lowering of water quality, and provide a
framework to identify those waters that are designated as an
“outstanding resource” by the state.
Current Topics
Triennial Review: Learn more about how the Triennial
Review provides an opportunity to discuss the priorities and
commitments the agency makes with EPA and others regarding the
surface water quality standards.
Rule Revision:
Learn more about potential changes to implementation tools in
the surface water quality
standards.
Other Information
Current
EPA-Approved Surface Water Quality Standards: Learn more
about the rule activity documents and timeline for the surface
water quality standards most recently approved by the
Environmental Protection Agency.
