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 Minnesota’s Nutrient Criteria Plan and state water quality standards are also provided.

• Existing Numeric Criteria
• Links to the Plan and Criteria
• Milestone Information

---

Existing Numeric Criteria

Waterbody Type	N	P	Chl-a	Clarity
Lakes & Reservoirs		S	S	S
Rivers & Streams
Estuaries	N ⁄ A	N ⁄ A	N ⁄ A	N ⁄ A
Wetlands

S = Statewide    W = For selected waterbody    N ⁄ A=Not Applicable

Note: See Statewide Criteria and Site-specific Criteria tabs for more information.

Top of Page

---

Links to Numeric Nutrient Criteria Plan and Existing Nutrient Criteria

Plan:

• Nutrient Criteria Development Plan for the State of Minnesota 2008

WQS: Minnesota Water Quality Standards
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Water Quality Standards Exit

Top of Page

---

Milestone Information

Milestone information updated July 2012.

TN: Total Nitrogen; TP: Total Phosphorus

Top of Page

Statewide Criteria

The information on this tab shows EPA-approved nutrient criteria for Minnesota’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 Minnesota water quality standards.

The following information reflects Minnesota’s water quality standards posted to the Water Quality Standards Repository as of November 2010 (EPA-approved May 2008).

7050.0150 Determination of Water Quality, Biological and Physical Conditions, and Compliance with Standards.

Subp. 3. Narrative standards. For all Class 2 waters, the aquatic habitat, which includes the waters of the state and stream bed, shall not be degraded in any material manner, there shall be no material increase in undesirable slime growths or aquatic plants, including algae, nor shall there be any significant increase in harmful pesticide or other residues in the waters, sediments, and aquatic flora and fauna; the normal fishery and lower aquatic biota upon which it is dependent and the use thereof shall not be seriously impaired or endangered, the species composition shall not be altered materially, and the propagation or migration of the fish and other biota normally present shall not be prevented or hindered by the discharge of any sewage, industrial waste, or other wastes to the waters.

7050.0210 General Standards for Waters of the State.
Subp. 2. Nuisance conditions prohibited. No sewage, industrial waste, or other wastes shall be discharged from either point or nonpoint sources into any waters of the state so as to cause any nuisance conditions, such as the presence of significant amounts of floating solids, scum, visible oil film, excessive suspended solids, material discoloration, obnoxious odors, gas ebullition, deleterious sludge deposits, undesirable slimes or fungus growths, aquatic habitat degradation, excessive growths of aquatic plants, or other offensive or harmful effects.

7050.0220 Specific Water Quality Standards by Associated Use Classes.

Subp. 2. Explanation of tables.

D. The tables of standards in subparts 3a to 6a include the following abbreviations and acronyms:

AN	means aesthetic enjoyment and navigation, Class 5 waters
CS	means chronic standard, defined in part 7050.0218, subpart 3
DC	means domestic consumption (drinking water), Class 1 waters
–	dash means there is no standard
FAV	means final acute value, defined in part 7050.0218, subpart 3
IC	means industrial consumption, Class 3 waters
IR	means agriculture irrigation use, Class 4A waters
LS	means agriculture livestock and wildlife use, Class 4B waters
MS	means maximum standard, defined in part 7050.0218, subpart 3
NA	means not applicable

Subp. 3a. Cold water sport fish, drinking water, and associated use classes. Water quality standards applicable to use Classes 1B, 2A, 3A or 3B, 4A and 4B, and 5 surface waters.

A. Miscellaneous Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant

2A*	2A*	2A*	1B*	3A*/3B*	4A*	4B*	5*
CS	MS	FAV	DC	IC	IR	IR	AN
(11) Eutrophication standards for lakes and reservoirs (phosphorus, total, ug/L; Chlorophyll-a, ug/L; Secchi depth transparency, meters)
See part 7050.0222, subparts 2 and 2a	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
(17) Nitrate as N, mg/L
–	–	–	10	–	–	–	–
(18) Nitrite as N, mg/L
–	–	–	1	–	–	–	–
(19) Nitrate + Nitrite as N, mg/L
–	–	–	10	–	–	–	–

* Please refer to sections 7050.0221 through 7050.0225 below for water class descriptions.

Subp. 4a. Cool and warm water sport fish, drinking water, and associated use classes. Water quality standards applicable to use Classes 1B or 1C, 2Bd, 3A or 3B, 4A and 4B, and 5 surface waters.

A. Miscellaneous Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant

2Bd*	2Bd*	2Bd*	1B*/1C*	3A*/3B*	4A*	4B*	5*
CS	MS	FAV	DC	IC	IR	LS	AN
(11) Eutrophication standards for lakes and reservoirs (phosphorus, total, ug/L; Chlorophyll-a, ug/L; Secchi depth transparency, meters)
See part 7050.0222, subparts 3 and 3a	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
(17) Nitrate as N, mg/L
–	–	–	10	–	–	–	–
(18) Nitrite as N, mg/L
–	–	–	1	–	–	–	–
(19) Nitrate + Nitrite as N, mg/L
–	–	–	10	–	–	–	–

* Please refer to sections 7050.0221 through 7050.0225 below for water class descriptions.

Subp. 5a. Cool and warm water sport fish and associated use classes. Water quality standards applicable to use Classes 2B, 2C, or 2D; 3A, 3B, or 3C; 4A and 4B; and 5 surface waters.

A. Miscellaneous Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant

2B,C&D*	2B,C&D*	2B,C&D*	3A*/3B*/3C*	4A*	4B*	5*
CS	MS	FAV	IC	IR	LS	AN
(7) Eutrophication standards for lakes and reservoirs (phosphorus, total, ug/L; Chlorophyll-a, ug/L; Secchi depth transparency, meters)
See part 7050.0222, subparts 4, 4a, and 5	–	–	–	–	–	–

* Please refer to sections 7050.0221 through 7050.0225 below for water class descriptions.

7050.0221 Specific Water Quality Standards for Class 1 Waters of the State; Domestic Consumption.

Subpart 1. General.

A. The numeric and narrative water quality standards in this part prescribe the qualities or properties of the waters of the state that are necessary for the domestic consumption designated public uses and benefits. If the standards in this part are exceeded in waters of the state that have the Class 1designation, it is considered indicative of a polluted condition which is actually or potentially deleterious, harmful, detrimental, or injurious with respect to the designated uses.

B. The Class 1 standards in this part are the United States Environmental Protection Agency
primary (maximum contaminant levels) and secondary drinking water standards, as contained in Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, parts 141 and 143, as amended through July 1, 2006. These Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards are adopted and incorporated by reference with the exceptions in this item. The following standards are not applicable to Class 1 ground waters: the primary drinking water standards for acrylamide, epichlorohydrin, copper, and lead (treatment technique standards) and standards in the disinfectants and disinfection by-products categories. The following standards are not applicable to Class 1 surface waters: the primary drinking water standards for acrylamide, epichlorohydrin, copper, lead, and turbidity (treatment technique standards) and the standards in the disinfectants and microbiological organisms categories.

Subp. 2. Class 1A waters; domestic consumption. The quality of Class 1A waters of the state shall be such that without treatment of any kind the raw waters will meet in all respects both the primary (maximum contaminant levels) and secondary drinking water standards issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as referenced in subpart 1. The Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards are adopted and incorporated by reference, except as noted in subpart 1.

These standards will ordinarily be restricted to underground waters with a high degree of natural protection.

Subp. 3. Class 1B waters. The quality of Class 1B waters of the state shall be such that with approved disinfection, such as simple chlorination or its equivalent, the treated water will meet both the primary (maximum contaminant levels) and secondary drinking water standards issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as referenced in subpart 1. The Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards are adopted and incorporated by reference, except as noted in subpart 1.

These standards will ordinarily be restricted to surface and underground waters with a moderately high degree of natural protection and apply to these waters in the untreated state.

Subp. 4. Class 1C waters. The quality of Class 1C waters of the state shall be such that with treatment consisting of coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, storage, and chlorination, or other equivalent treatment processes, the treated water will meet both the primary (maximum contaminant levels) and secondary drinking water standards issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as referenced in subpart 1. The Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards are adopted and incorporated by reference, except as noted in subpart 1.

These standards will ordinarily be restricted to surface waters, and ground waters in aquifers not considered to afford adequate protection against contamination from surface or other sources of pollution.

Such aquifers normally would include fractured and channeled limestone, unprotected impervious hard rock where water is obtained from mechanical fractures or joints with surface connections, and coarse gravels subjected to surface water infiltration. These standards shall also apply to these waters in the untreated state.

Subp. 5. [Repealed, 32 SR 1699]

Subp. 6. Additional standards. In addition to the standards in subparts 2 to 5, no sewage, industrial waste, or other wastes from point or nonpoint sources, treated or untreated, shall be discharged into or permitted by any person to gain access to any waters of the state classified for domestic consumption so as to cause any material undesirable increase in the taste, hardness, temperature, chronic toxicity, corrosiveness, or nutrient content, or in any other manner to impair the natural quality or value of the waters for use as a source of drinking water.

7050.0222 Specific Water Quality Standards for Class 2 Waters of the State; Aquatic Life and Recreation.

Subpart 1. General.

A. The numeric and narrative water quality standards in this part prescribe the qualities or properties of the waters of the state that are necessary for the aquatic life and recreation designated public uses and benefits. If the standards in this part are exceeded in waters of the state that have the Class 2 designation, it is considered indicative of a polluted condition which is actually or potentially deleterious, harmful, detrimental, or injurious with respect to the designated uses.

Subp. 2. Class 2A waters; aquatic life and recreation. The quality of Class 2A surface waters shall be such as to permit the propagation and maintenance of a healthy community of cold water sport or commercial fish and associated aquatic life, and their habitats. These waters shall be suitable for aquatic recreation of all kinds, including bathing, for which the waters may be usable. This class of surface waters is also protected as a source of drinking water.

Eutrophication standards for Class 2A lakes and reservoirs.
Designated lake trout lakes in all ecoregions (lake trout lakes support natural populations of lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush):

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2A)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	12	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	3	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	No less than 4.8	NA	–	–	NA

Designated trout lakes in all ecoregions, except lake trout lakes:

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2A)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	20	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	6	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	No less than 2.5	NA	–	–	NA

Subp. 2a. Narrative eutrophication standards for Class 2A lakes and reservoirs.

A. Eutrophication standards are compared to data averaged over the summer season (June through September). Exceedance of the total phosphorus and either the chlorophyll-a or Secchi disk standard is required to indicate a polluted condition.

B. It is the policy of the agency to protect all lakes and reservoirs from the undesirable effects of cultural eutrophication. Lakes and reservoirs with a baseline quality better than the numeric Eutrophication standards in subpart 2 must be maintained in that condition through the strict application of all relevant federal, state, and local requirements governing nondegradation, the discharge of nutrients from point and nonpoint sources, and the protection of lake or reservoir resources, including, but not limited to:

(1) the nondegradation requirements in parts 7050.0180 and 7050.0185;
(2) the phosphorus effluent limits for point sources, where applicable in chapter 7053;
(3) the requirements for feedlots in chapter 7020;
(4) the requirements for individual sewage treatment systems in chapter 7080;
(5) the requirements for control of stormwater in chapter 7090;
(6) county shoreland ordinances; and
(7) implementation of mandatory and voluntary best management practices to minimize point and nonpoint sources of nutrients.

C. Lakes and reservoirs with a baseline quality that is poorer than the numeric Eutrophication standards in subpart 2 must be considered to be in compliance with the standards if the baseline quality is the result of natural causes. The commissioner shall determine baseline quality and compliance with these standards using summer-average data and the procedures in part 7050.0150, subpart 5. "Natural causes" is defined in part 7050.0150, subpart 4, item N.

D. When applied to reservoirs, the eutrophication standards in this subpart and subpart 2 may be modified on a site-specific basis to account for characteristics unique to reservoirs that can affect trophic status, such as water temperature, variations in hydraulic residence time, watershed size, and the fact that reservoirs may receive drainage from more than one ecoregion. Information supporting a site-specific standard can be provided by the commissioner or by any person outside the agency. The commissioner shall evaluate all data in support of a modified standard and determine whether a change in the standard for a specific reservoir is justified. Any total phosphorus effluent limit determined to be necessary based on a modified standard shall only be required after the discharger has been given notice of the specific proposed effluent limits and an opportunity to request a hearing as provided in part 7000.1800.

Subp. 3. Class 2Bd waters. The quality of Class 2Bd surface waters shall be such as to permit the propagation and maintenance of a healthy community of cool or warm water sport or commercial fish and associated aquatic life and their habitats. These waters shall be suitable for aquatic recreation of all kinds, including bathing, for which the waters may be usable. This class of surface waters is also protected as a source of drinking water.

(The applicable numeric water quality standards are listed on the Site-specific criteria tab for Class 2Bd waters, since they are split by ecoregions; narrative criteria are listed below.)

Subp. 3a. Narrative eutrophication standards for Class 2Bd lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs.

A. Eutrophication standards applicable to lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs that lie on the border between two ecoregions or that are in the Red River Valley, Northern Minnesota Wetlands, or Driftless Area Ecoregions must be applied on a case-by-case basis. The commissioner shall use the standards applicable to adjacent ecoregions as a guide.

B. Eutrophication standards are compared to data averaged over the summer season (June through September). Exceedance of the total phosphorus and either the chlorophyll-a or Secchi disk standard is required to indicate a polluted condition.

C. It is the policy of the agency to protect all lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs from the undesirable effects of cultural eutrophication. Lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs with a baseline quality better than the numeric eutrophication standards in subpart 3 must be maintained in that condition through the strict application of all relevant federal, state, and local requirements governing nondegradation, the discharge of nutrients from point and nonpoint sources, and the protection of lake, shallow lake, and reservoir resources, including, but not limited to:

(1) the nondegradation requirements in parts 7050.0180 and 7050.0185;
(2) the phosphorus effluent limits for point sources, where applicable in chapter 7053;
(3) the requirements for feedlots in chapter 7020;
(4) the requirements for individual sewage treatment systems in chapter 7080;
(5) the requirements for control of stormwater in chapter 7090;
(6) county shoreland ordinances; and
(7) implementation of mandatory and voluntary best management practices to minimize point and nonpoint sources of nutrients.

D. Lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs with a baseline quality that is poorer than the numeric eutrophication standards in subpart 3 must be considered to be in compliance with the standards if the baseline quality is the result of natural causes. The commissioner shall determine baseline quality and compliance with these standards using summer-average data and the procedures in part 7050.0150, subpart 5. "Natural causes" is defined in part 7050.0150, subpart 4, item N.

E. When applied to reservoirs, the eutrophication standards in this subpart and subpart 3 may be modified on a site-specific basis to account for characteristics of reservoirs that can affect trophic status, such as water temperature, variations in hydraulic residence time, watershed size, and the fact that reservoirs may receive drainage from more than one ecoregion. Information supporting a site-specific standard can be provided by the commissioner or by any person outside the agency. The commissioner shall evaluate all data in support of a modified standard and determine whether a change in the standard for a specific reservoir is justified. Any total phosphorus effluent limit determined to be necessary based on a modified standard shall only be required after the discharger has been given notice of the specific proposed effluent limits and an opportunity to request a hearing as provided in part 7000.1800.

Subp. 4. Class 2B waters. The quality of Class 2B surface waters shall be such as to permit the propagation and maintenance of a healthy community of cool or warm water sport or commercial fish and associated aquatic life, and their habitats. These waters shall be suitable for aquatic recreation of all kinds, including bathing, for which the waters may be usable. This class of surface water is not protected as a source of drinking water. The applicable standards are given below.

(The applicable numeric water quality standards are listed on the Site-specific criteria tab for Class 2Bd waters, since they are split by ecoregions; narrative criteria are listed below.)

Subp. 4a. Narrative eutrophication standards for Class 2B lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs.

A. Eutrophication standards applicable to lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs that lie on the border between two ecoregions or that are in the Red River Valley, Northern Minnesota Wetlands, or Driftless Area Ecoregions must be applied on a case-by-case basis. The commissioner shall use the standards applicable to adjacent ecoregions as a guide.

B. Eutrophication standards are compared to data averaged over the summer season (June through September). Exceedance of the total phosphorus and either the chlorophyll-a or Secchi disk standard is required to indicate a polluted condition.

C. It is the policy of the agency to protect all lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs from the undesirable effects of cultural eutrophication. Lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs with a baseline quality better than the numeric eutrophication standards in subpart 4 must be maintained in that condition through the strict application of all relevant federal, state, and local requirements governing nondegradation, the discharge of nutrients from point and nonpoint sources, and the protection of lake, shallow lake, and reservoir resources, including, but not limited to:

(1) the nondegradation requirements in parts 7050.0180 and 7050.0185;
(2) the phosphorus effluent limits for point sources, where applicable in chapter 7053;
(3) the requirements for feedlots in chapter 7020;
(4) the requirements for individual sewage treatment systems in chapter 7080;
(5) the requirements for control of stormwater in chapter 7090;
(6) county shoreland ordinances; and
(7) implementation of mandatory and voluntary best management practices to minimize
point and nonpoint sources of nutrients.

D. Lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs with a baseline quality that is poorer than the numeric
eutrophication standards in subpart 4 must be considered to be in compliance with the standards if the baseline quality is the result of natural causes. The commissioner shall determine baseline quality and compliance with these standards using summer-average data and the procedures in part 7050.0150, subpart 5. "Natural causes" is defined in part 7050.0150, subpart 4, item N.

E. When applied to reservoirs, the eutrophication standards in this subpart and subpart 4 may be modified on a site-specific basis to account for characteristics of reservoirs that can affect trophic status, such as water temperature, variations in hydraulic residence time, watershed size, and the fact that reservoirs may receive drainage from more than one ecoregion. Information supporting a site-specific standard can be provided by the commissioner or by any person outside the agency. The commissioner shall evaluate all data in support of a modified standard and determine whether a change in the standard for a specific reservoir is justified. Any total phosphorus effluent limit determined to be necessary based on a modified standard shall only be required after the discharger has been given notice of the specific proposed effluent limits and an opportunity to request a hearing as provided in part 7000.1800.

Subp. 5. Class 2C waters. The quality of Class 2C surface waters shall be such as to permit the propagation and maintenance of a healthy community of indigenous fish and associated aquatic life, and their habitats. These waters shall be suitable for boating and other forms of aquatic recreation for which the waters may be usable. The standards for Class 2B waters listed in subparts 4 and 4a shall apply to these waters except as listed below: (content listed unrelated to nutrients).

Subp. 6. Class 2D waters; wetlands.

A. The quality of Class 2D wetlands shall be such as to permit the propagation and maintenance of a healthy community of aquatic and terrestrial species indigenous to wetlands, and their habitats. Wetlands also add to the biological diversity of the landscape. These waters shall be suitable for boating and other forms of aquatic recreation for which the wetland may be usable. The standards for Class 2B waters listed under subpart 4 shall apply to these waters except as listed below: (content listed unrelated to nutrients).

Subp. 7. Additional standards; Class 2 waters. The following additional standards and requirements apply to all Class 2 waters.

A. No sewage, industrial waste, or other wastes from point or nonpoint sources shall be discharged into any of the waters of this category so as to cause any material change in any other substances, characteristics, or pollutants which may impair the quality of the waters of the state or the aquatic biota of any of the classes in subparts 2 to 6 or in any manner render them unsuitable or objectionable for fishing, fish culture, or recreational uses. Additional selective limits or changes in the discharge bases may be imposed on the basis of local needs.

7050.0223 Specific Water Quality Standards for Class 3 Waters of the State; Industrial Consumption.

Subpart 1. General. The numeric and narrative water quality standards in this part prescribe the qualities or properties of the waters of the state that are necessary for the industrial consumption designated public uses and benefits. If the standards in this part are exceeded in waters of the state that have the Class 3 designation, it is considered indicative of a polluted condition which is actually or potentially deleterious, harmful, detrimental, or injurious with respect to the designated uses.

Subp. 2. Class 3A waters; industrial consumption. The quality of Class 3A waters of the state shall be such as to permit their use without chemical treatment, except softening for groundwater, for most industrial purposes, except food processing and related uses, for which a high quality of water is required. The following standards shall not be exceeded in the waters of the state: (content listed unrelated to nutrients).

Subp. 3. Class 3B waters. The quality of Class 3B waters of the state shall be such as to permit their use for general industrial purposes, except for food processing, with only a moderate degree of treatment. The following standards shall not be exceeded in the waters of the state: (content listed unrelated to nutrients).

Subp. 4. Class 3C waters. The quality of Class 3C waters of the state shall be such as to permit their use for industrial cooling and materials transport without a high degree of treatment being necessary to avoid severe fouling, corrosion, scaling, or other unsatisfactory conditions. The following standards shall not be exceeded in the waters of the state: (content listed unrelated to nutrients).

Subp. 5. Class 3D waters; wetlands. The quality of Class 3D wetlands shall be such as to permit their use for general industrial purposes, except for food processing, with only a moderate degree of treatment. The following standards apply: (content listed unrelated to nutrients).

Subp. 6. Additional standards. Additional selective limits may be imposed for any specific waters
of the state as needed.

In addition to the standards in subparts 2 to 5, no sewage, industrial waste, or other wastes from point or nonpoint sources, treated or untreated, shall be discharged into or permitted by any person to gain access to any waters of the state classified for industrial purposes so as to cause any material impairment of their use as a source of industrial water supply.

7050.0224 Specific Water Quality Standards for Class 4 Waters of the State; Agriculture and Wildlife.

Subpart 1. General. The numeric and narrative water quality standards in this part prescribe the qualities or properties of the waters of the state that are necessary for the agriculture and wildlife designated public uses and benefits. Wild rice is an aquatic plant resource found in certain waters within the state. The harvest and use of grains from this plant serve as a food source for wildlife and humans. In recognition of the ecological importance of this resource, and in conjunction with Minnesota Indian tribes, selected wild rice waters have been specifically identified [WR] and listed in part 7050.0470, subpart 1. The quality of these waters and the aquatic habitat necessary to support the propagation and maintenance of wild rice plant species must not be materially impaired or degraded. If the standards in this part are exceeded in waters of the state that have the Class 4 designation, it is considered indicative of a polluted condition which is actually or potentially deleterious, harmful, detrimental, or injurious with respect to the designated uses.

Subp. 2. Class 4A waters. The quality of Class 4A waters of the state shall be such as to permit their use for irrigation without significant damage or adverse effects upon any crops or vegetation usually grown in the waters or area, including truck garden crops. The following standards shall be used as a guide in determining the suitability of the waters for such uses, together with the recommendations contained in Handbook 60 published by the Salinity Laboratory of the United States Department of Agriculture, and any revisions, amendments, or supplements to it: (content listed unrelated to nutrients).

Subp. 3. Class 4B waters. The quality of Class 4B waters of the state shall be such as to permit their use by livestock and wildlife without inhibition or injurious effects. The standards for substances, characteristics, or pollutants given below shall not be exceeded in the waters of the state: (content listed unrelated to nutrients).

Subp. 4. Class 4C waters; wetlands. The quality of Class 4C wetlands shall be such as to permit their use for irrigation and by wildlife and livestock without inhibition or injurious effects and be suitable for erosion control, groundwater recharge, low flow augmentation, stormwater retention, and stream sedimentation. The standards for Classes 4A and 4B waters shall apply to these waters except as listed below: (content listed unrelated to nutrients).

7050.0225 Specific Water Quality Standards for Class 5 Waters of the State; Aesthetic Enjoyment and Navigation.

Subpart 1. General. The numeric and narrative water quality standards in this part prescribe the qualities or properties of the waters of the state that are necessary for the aesthetic enjoyment and navigation designated public uses and benefits. If the standards in this part are exceeded in waters of the state that have the Class 5 designation, it is considered indicative of a polluted condition which is actually or potentially deleterious, harmful, detrimental, or injurious with respect to the designated uses.

Subp. 2. Class 5 waters; aesthetic enjoyment and navigation. The quality of Class 5 waters of the state shall be such as to be suitable for aesthetic enjoyment of scenery, to avoid any interference with navigation or damaging effects on property. The following standards shall not be exceeded in the waters of the state: (content listed unrelated to nutrients).

Site-specific Criteria

The information on this tab shows EPA-approved site-specific nutrient criteria for Minnesota’s waterbodies. Criteria on this page apply only to the waterbodies listed below. Criteria applicable to all waterbodies within the state are found on the “Statewide Criteria” tab. For more information, refer to the Minnesota water quality standards.

The following information reflects Minnesota’s water quality standards posted to the Water Quality Standards Repository as of November 2010 (EPA-approved May 2008).

7050.0222 Specific Water Quality Standards for Class 2 Waters of the State; Aquatic Life and Recreation

Subp. 2. Explanation of tables.

D. The tables of standards in subparts 3a to 6a include the following abbreviations and acronyms:

AN	means aesthetic enjoyment and navigation, Class 5 waters
CS	means chronic standard, defined in part 7050.0218, subpart 3
DC	means domestic consumption (drinking water), Class 1 waters
–	double dashes means there is no standard
FAV	means final acute value, defined in part 7050.0218, subpart 3
IC	means industrial consumption, Class 3 waters
IR	means agriculture irrigation use, Class 4A waters
LS	means agriculture livestock and wildlife use, Class 4B waters
MS	means maximum standard, defined in part 7050.0218, subpart 3
NA	means not applicable

Subp. 3. Class 2Bd waters.

Eutrophication standards for Class 2Bd lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs.

Lakes, Shallow Lakes, and Reservoirs in Northern Lakes and Forest Ecoregion

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2Bd)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	30	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	9	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	Not less than 2.0	NA	–	–	NA

Lakes and Reservoirs in North Central Hardwood Forest Ecoregion

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2Bd)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	40	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	14	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	Not less than 1.4	NA	–	–	NA

Lakes and Reservoirs in Western Corn Belt Plains and Northern Glaciated Plains Ecoregions

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2Bd)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	65	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	22	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	Not less than 0.9	NA	–	–	NA

Shallow Lakes in North Central Hardwood Forest Ecoregion

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2Bd)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	60	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	20	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	Not less than 1.0	NA	–	–	NA

Shallow Lakes in Western Corn Belt Plains and Northern Glaciated Plains Ecoregions

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2Bd)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	90	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	30	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	Not less than 0.7	NA	–	–	NA

Subp. 4. Class 2B Waters.
Eutrophication standards for Class 2B lakes, shallow lakes, and reservoirs.

Lakes, Shallow Lakes, and Reservoirs in Northern Lakes and Forest Ecoregion

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2B)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	30	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	9	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	Not less than 2.0	NA	–	–	NA

Lakes and Reservoirs in North Central Hardwood Forest Ecoregion

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2B)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	40	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	14	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	Not less than 1.4	NA	–	–	NA

Lakes and Reservoirs in Western Corn Belt Plains and Northern Glaciated Plains Ecoregion

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2B)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	65	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	22	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	Not less than 0.9	NA	–	–	NA

Shallow Lakes in North Central Hardwood Forest Ecoregion

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2B)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	60	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	20	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	Not less than 1.0	NA	–	–	NA

Shallow Lakes in Western Corn Belt Plains and Northern Glaciated Plains Ecoregion

Substance, Characteristic, or Pollutant (Class 2B)	Units	CS	Basis for CS	MS	FAV	Basis for MS, FAV
Phosphorus, total	ug/L	90	NA	–	–	NA
Chlorophyll-a	ug/L	30	NA	–	–	NA
Secchi disk transparency	meters	Not less than 0.7	NA	–	–	NA