Waterbody Uses

• Fish-consumption advisories may be issued if water quality is poor.fishing 1 image by Sorin Alb from Fotolia.com
  
  This standard describes the designated uses for bodies of water. Recreational use, drinking water supply and aquatic life protection are gauged to each specific area. Physical, chemical and biological characteristics of each area help determine the best designation for human use.
  
  

Water Quality

• Contaminated sediments along the coasts degrade the water quality.ocean meets rocks 4. image by mdb from Fotolia.com
  
  This standard involves research statistics, based upon the levels of chemical concentrations in bodies of water. When concentrations reach toxic or disease-causing levels, the water quality is considered low or grave. The presence of sewage, pesticides and petroleum waste is included in research of water quality.
  
  

Antidegradation Policies

• Sewage disposal and stormwater runoff are monitored under the standards.chantier image by Unclesam from Fotolia.com
  
  This standard is aimed at protecting existing water quality. Programs enacted through the Clean Water Act and coordinated efforts with government agencies are set forth to reduce the flow of pollutants from land into bodies of water. Further research is conducted to monitor the presence of harmful pollutants in areas that are considered to have low water quality.