Surface Water
Quality Classifications
The Clean Water Act requires that the surface waters of each state be classified according to designated uses. Florida has five classes with associated designated uses, which are arranged in order of degree of protection required:
Class I - Potable Water Supplies
Fourteen general areas throughout the state including: impoundments and associated tributaries, certain lakes, rivers, or portions of rivers, used as a drinking water supply.
Class II - Shellfish Propagation or Harvesting
Generally coastal waters where shellfish harvesting occurs.
Class III - Recreation, Propagation and Maintenance of a Healthy, Well-Balanced Population of Fish and Wildlife
The surface waters of the state are Class III unless described in rule
62-302.400 F.A.C.
Class IV - Agricultural Water Supplies
Generally located in agriculture areas around Lake Okeechobee.
Class V - Navigation, Utility and Industrial Use.
Currently, there are not any designated Class V bodies of water. The Fenholloway River was reclassified as Class III in 1998
For a more detailed description of classes and specific waterbody
designations, see 62-302.400.
Criteria for Surface Water Quality Classifications
To protect present and future most beneficial uses of the waters, water quality criteria have been established for each classification. While some criteria are intended to protect aquatic life, others are designed to protect human health. The criteria are located in rules
62-302.500 and
62-302.530
F.A.C. Water quality standards also include narrative criteria for pollutants and other conditions not specifically listed.
Anti-degradation Policy
The anti-degradation policy (found in
62-302.300 and
62-4.242
F.A.C.) allows for protection of water quality above the minimum required for a classification.
For more information please contact:
Eric Shaw at
(850) 245-8429 or
Janet Klemm
at (850) 245-8427.
Assessment and Restoration Support
Program
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
2600 Blair Stone Road -
M.S. 3560
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-245-8417
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