The National Water Quality Inventory Report to Congress is the primary vehicle for informing Congress and the public about general water quality conditions in the United States. This document characterizes our water quality, identifies widespread water quality problems of national significance, and describes various programs implemented to restore and protect our waters. The National Water Quality Inventory Report to Congress summarizes the water quality information submitted by 58 States, American Indian Tribes, Territories, Interstate Water Commissions, and the District of Columbia (hereafter referred to as States, Tribes, and other jurisdictions) in their 1996 water quality assessment reports. As such, the report identifies water quality issues of concem to the States, Tribes, and other jurisdictions, not just the Issues of concem to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that the States and other participating jurisdictions submit water quality assessment reports every 2 years. Most of the survey information in the 1996 Section 305(b) reports is based on water quality information collected and evaluated by the States, Tribes, and other jurisdictions during 1994 and 1995. It is important to note that this report is based on information submitted by States, Tribes, and other jurisdictions that do not use identical survey methods and criteria to rate their water quality. The States, Tribes, and other jurisdictions favor flexibility in the 305(b) process to accommodate natural variability in their waters, but there is a trade-off between flexibility and consistency. Without known and consistent survey methods in place, EPA must use caution in comparing data or determining the accuracy of data submitted by different States and jurisdictions. Also, EPA must use caution when comparing water quality information submitted during different 305(b) reporting periods because States and other jurisdictions may modify their criteria or survey different waterbodies every 2 years.

Cover title. "April 1998." "EPA841-S-97-001."