EM-114 Bacteria and Surface Water Quality Standards

Abstract

Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires that each state set water quality standards to ensure all uses of a water body have the appropriate water quality. Some of those uses include aquatic life, drinking water, recreation and other general uses. Standards are also used to assess water quality from permitted dischargers such as Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) and Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). If water bodies do not meet water quality standards, as evidenced by monitoring results, then water bodies are placed on the Texas Integrated Report for Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d) list.