California Criteria Development Progress
This page provides information about the progress California has made towards the development of numeric criteria and shows what statewide and site-specific criteria are currently in effect.
Note: The information on the tabs below reflects the information available on EPA’s
Water Quality Standards Repository. The criteria presented here will be updated as new water quality standards documents are posted to the Repository.
Numeric Criteria Development
The information presented below gives a summary of state progress towards the development of numeric criteria. The information comes from EPA’s “State Adoption of Numeric Nutrient Standards (1998-2008)” report, current water quality standards, program activity measures, and nutrient criteria development plans. Links to the California’s Nutrient Criteria Plan and state water quality standards are also provided.
Existing Numeric Criteria
| Waterbody Type | N | P | Chl-a | Clarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakes & Reservoirs | W | W | W | W |
| Rivers & Streams | W | W | W | |
| Estuaries | W | W | W | |
| Wetlands | W | W | W |
S = Statewide W = For selected waterbody N ⁄ A=Not Applicable
Note: See Statewide Criteria and Site-specific Criteria tabs for more information.
Links to Numeric Nutrient Criteria Plan and Existing Nutrient Criteria
Plan:
WQS: California Water Quality Standards
California Department of Water Resources Exit
Milestone Information
Milestone information updated July 2012.
Milestone |
Rivers and Streams | Lakes and Reservoirs | Estuaries and Coastal Waters | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TN | TP | TN | TP | TN | TP | |
| Planning for criteria development | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided |
| Collection of information and data | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided |
| Analysis of information and data | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided |
| Proposal of criteria | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided |
| Adoption of criteria (EPA-Approved) | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided | No date provided |
TN: Total Nitrogen; TP: Total Phosphorus
Statewide Criteria
The information on this tab shows EPA-approved nutrient criteria for California’s waterbodies. The language presented below comes directly from state water quality standards and applies to all waterbodies within the state (unless a waterbody type or designated use is noted). Criteria applicable to specific waterbodies within the state can be found on the “Site-specific Criteria” tab. For more information, refer to the California water quality standards.
The following information reflects California’s Ocean Plan posted to the Water Quality Standards Repository as of November 2010 (EPA-approved December 2001).
Introduction
C. Applicability
1. This plan is applicable, in its entirety, to point source discharges to the ocean. Nonpoint sources of waste discharges to the ocean are subject to Chapter I Beneficial Uses, Chapter II - Water Quality Objectives (wherein compliance with water quality objectives shall, in all cases, be determined by direct measurements in the receiving waters) and Chapter III - Program of Implementation Parts A.2, D, E, and H.
2. This plan is not applicable to discharges to enclosed bays and estuaries or inland waters, nor is it applicable to vessel wastes, or the control of dredged material.
II. Water Quality Objectives
C. Physical Characteristics
2. The discharge of waste shall not cause aesthetically undesirable discoloration of the ocean surface.
3. Natural light shall not be significantly reduced at any point outside the initial dilution zone as the result of the discharge of waste.
D. Chemical Characteristics
6. Nutrient materials shall not cause objectionable aquatic growths or degrade indigenous biota.
E. Biological Characteristics
2. The natural taste, odor, and color of fish, shellfish, or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not be altered.