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Under the guidance and approval of the EPA, states must establish and define water quality standards in support of the Clean Water Act. Through this process, states develop water quality standards that consist of designated uses, beneficial uses, or classifications for all surface waters within their respective jurisdiction. The designated uses or classes (i.e., recreation, drinking water, fishing, agriculture, etc.) are protected by State defined criterion intended to uphold water quality that directly supports the water usage or classification. The WQSDB provides the public with access to water quality standards (WQS) data for the United States.
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