Basic Course: Key Concepts

Criteria Purpose: Establish a Risk Threshold for the Water Body

A water quality criterion establishes a threshold for a pollutant or condition, above or below which the designated uses for a water body may be threatened. If the criterion is exceeded, for instance, the water quality may pose a potential human health or ecological risk. In such cases, protective or remedial action may be needed.

Disclaimer:
For informational purposes only–Not official statements of EPA policy.