Water Quality Standards
The state and public policy is to maintain or improve, or both, the quality of the waters of the state
and to maintain and protect existing uses. Classifications and standards are established for the
protection of public health and environmental resources and for the enjoyment of these waters, to ensure
the propagation and well-being of resident fish, wildlife, and all biota associated with, or dependent
upon, these waters; and to safeguard social, economical, and industrial development. Waters not being
put to use shall be protected for all reasonable uses for which these waters are suitable. All known and
reasonable methods to control and prevent pollution of the waters of this state are required, including
improvement in quality of these waters, when feasible.
Classification of waters of the state shall be used to maintain and protect the present and future beneficial
uses of these waters. Classification of waters of the state shall be made or changed whenever new or
additional data warrant the classification or a change of an existing classification.
