The document discusses the water quality review and revision process; general programmatic guidance on mixing zones, flow, and economic considerations; use attainability analyses; and site specific criteria. Technical guidance on conducting water body surveys and assessments was provided in the Technical Support Manual: Water Body Surveys and Assessments for Conducting Use Attainability Analyses (EPA, November 1983) in response to requests by several States for additional information. The Technical Support Manual essentially provides methods and tools for freshwater evaluations, but does not cover estuarine water bodies. The chapters presented in the volume address those considerations which are unique to the estuary. Those factors which are common to the freshwater and the estuarine system--chemical evaluations in particular, are not discussed in the volume. Thus it is important that those who will be involved in the water body survey should also consult the 1983 Technical Support Manual.