Water Quality Criteria

What are Water Quality Criteria?

Criteria help protect water bodies by identifying pollutant levels or conditions that support the designated uses.

Learn the basics of water quality criteria
Five-Year Review of Recreational Criteria

The EPA is required to review its recommended recreational water quality criteria (RWQC) every five years.

Learn about EPA’s Second Five-Year Review
Bioassessment and Biocriteria Programs

Many states and territories evaluate the health of their streams and rivers using bioassessment and biological criteria.

Use our map to view if your state or territory has a program
Numeric Nutrient Criteria

Water quality criteria for nitrogen and phosphorus help to protect water bodies and restore those that are impaired by nutrient pollution.

Learn about Numeric Nutrient Criteria

The Clean Water Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop criteria for surface water quality that accurately reflect the latest scientific knowledge on the impacts of pollutants on human health and the environment.

Criteria Tables

Human Health

Human Health Criteria

Water Quality Criteria

What are Water Quality Criteria?

Five-Year Review of Recreational Criteria

Bioassessment and Biocriteria Programs

Numeric Nutrient Criteria

Criteria Tables

Human Health

Aquatic Life

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