Community Water Quality Standards Provide Many Uses

The US EPA  approves state-based Natural Resources’ (DNR) designated use and changes for water bodies.  Designated uses describe the achievable recreational activities and aquatic life uses in a state's waters.  
 
“Healthy waters and watersheds provide  communities with

• drinking water
• recreational opportunities
• environmental benefits
• clean water for habitat for fish and wildlife

EPA will continue working with the state to protect every community's lakes, rivers and streams.
 
The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes a mandatory role for EPA to review and approve or disapprove all state water quality standards.  States submit new and revised surface water quality standards to EPA for review and approval, as required by the law.  Updated submissions allow for community growth and use changes to be reviewed and proper quality and use designations for many of a state’s waters following site-specific field studies to determine the highest attainable use for the individual waters.
 
EPA oversees the protection of water quality as required by the CWA.  The EPA Agency works with the public, community leaders, local and state agencies to meet the growing needs and demands of our water resources.

We often overlook the continual monitoring and management of natural water bodies, but changes in agricultural, residential, industrial and even natural weathr-based events affect where water flows, what flows into water bodies and therefore, the quality of the water for humans as well as the millions of wildlife animals, insects and plants that depend on natural water sources for quality drinking, habitat and food production.

We can support quality water sources by reducing our use of toxic chemicals, reducing runoff, and supporting organic, low water use landscaping.  There are many creative landscaping options available that support sustainable communities and quality water systems to fit your local habitat, weather and urbanization profiles.