Basic Information about Water Quality Standards

Water Quality Standards (WQS) are the foundation of the water quality-based pollution control program mandated by the Clean Water Act. In a most basic sense, water quality standards define the environmental goals of all the nation's waters, and Region 5 works with the Great Lakes States and Tribes to ensure that these goals are properly set and met

The major responsibilities of the Region 5 Water Quality Standards program are to:

Provide guidance and technical assistance to the Region 5 States and Tribes with the development of water quality standards and implementation procedures.
Review and approve or disapprove water quality standards developed by the States and Tribes.
Consult with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on the effect new water quality standards might have on endangered species.
Participate in national water science activities.
Get information out to the public on local water quality issues.
Coordinate with other programs such as water quality monitoring, assessment and reporting,and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).

Region 5 is also involved in other water quality related efforts and activities:

Midwest Annual Surface Water Monitoring and Standards (SWiMS) Meetings

Regional WQS Contacts - for general questions

Use the Region 5 Experts List to find contacts by specific topics such as "Water Quality", "Beaches", etc.
The EPA Employee Directory can also be used to find contact information on EPA employees if you know their name.

Basic Information about Water Quality Standards

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