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Table 1. Summary of State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and USVI Bioassessment and Biocriteria Programs

Table 1. Summary of State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and USVI Bioassessment and Biocriteria Programs
Biocriteria in Water Quality Standards Number of Programs (51 total)
Narrative biocriteria statement only 14
Narrative biocriteria statement with quantitative implementation procedures or translators only 18
Numeric biocriteria (all states with numeric bio criteria also have narratives) 6
Assemblages in Bioassessment Program
Benthic macroinvertebrates 49
Fish 37
Periphyton 24
Amphibians 4
> 1 assemblage assessed 45
Application of Biocriteria and/or Bioassessment Data
Support 303(d) listings 46
Support antidegradation policies 18
Refining Aquatic Life Use 22
305(b) water condition assessments 44
Non-point source assessments 38
BMP evaluation 31
Restoration goals 29
Related Information

Information on Bioassessment and Biocriteria Programs for Streams and Wadeable Rivers

Water Quality Criteria

  • Aquatic Life Criteria Table
  • Human Health Criteria Table
  • Human Health Toxics Criteria and Methods
  • Recreational Criteria and Methods
  • Aquatic Life Toxics Criteria and Methods
  • Nutrient Water Quality Criteria
  • Biological Water Quality Criteria
  • Other Aquatic Life Water Quality Resources
Contact Us about Water Quality Criteria
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on June 3, 2025
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