Surface Water Quality Standards
With over 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, 7800 lakes, and 4000 square miles of estuaries, Florida has an abundance of surface waters that are used for a variety of purposes by the people who live and work here, by those who are visiting, and by the fish and wildlife that depend on these waters.
The federal Clean Water Act provides the statutory basis for state water quality standards programs. The regulatory requirements governing these programs (Water Quality Standards Regulation) are published in
40 CFR 131. States are responsible for reviewing, establishing, and revising water quality standards. Florida’s surface water quality standards system is published in
62-302 (and
62-302.530) of the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). The components of this system include:
classifications, criteria, an
anti-degradation policy, and special protection of certain waters
(Outstanding Florida Waters).
In response to recent initiatives put forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Florida has been working to develop
biological criteria and
nutrient criteria for fresh waters and
estuaries. Efforts are also underway to evaluate possible refinements to the
designated uses and associated water body classification system of the diverse surface water resources in the state.
Rulemaking
Documents Referenced in 62-302
Links to Related Topics
For more information please contact
Ken Weaver
at 850/245-8414.
Water Quality Standards and Special Projects Program
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
2600 Blair Stone Road -
M.S. 3560
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-245-8417
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