Abstract |
Setting water quality goals through assigning designated uses is best viewed as a process for states and tribes to review and revise over time rather than as a one-time exercise. A key concept in assigning designated uses is attainability, or the ability to achieve water quality goals under a given set of natural, human-caused, and economic conditions. The overall success of pollution control efforts depends on a reliable set of underlying designated uses in water quality standards. EPAs water quality standards regulation provides a process for reviewing and revising designated uses, described as a use attainability analysis, as well as several rationales or factors that may be invoked as the reason for changing a use. In implementing the regulation, EPA provides outreach and support to states and tribes to assist them in working through this process. The goal is for every waterbody to have a designated use that is scientifically and legally defensible and supported by the local community. |