Key Concepts of Water Quality Standards
What are water quality standards? How are water quality criteria related to designated uses? How are water quality standards implemented? Find answers to these and many other related questions on supplemental slides (pdf) from the Virtual Water Quality Standards Academy, May 2023 session.
The WQS Academy (WQSA) provides WQS development and implementation information to WQS professionals associated with the federal, state, tribal and local agencies as well as the private sector. This highly structured training course covers all aspects of the water quality standards regulations, including the technical, scientific, administrative, and procedural aspects. The WQSA is an introductory course designed for those with six months to one year experience with water quality standards and criteria programs. However, others may benefit from the course, including veterans of the water quality standards program who want a refresher course.
Because of the popularity of the WQS Academy live sessions, EPA has posted a copy of the slide decks used during presentations from the May 2023 virtual WQS Academy session. These files could be useful for those who have not yet attended a live course but wish to become familiar with important WQS concepts before attending the next available WQS Academy or for those who would like a refresher after having already taken the WQS Academy. Session slides are intended to be an interim resource and do not provide the same level of training as the live WQS Academy. Visit the Water Quality Standards Academy page for more information and resources.