Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (Lock A locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Water Quality Criteria
slide 1 of 4 * ## What are Water Quality Criteria? Criteria help protect water bodies by identifying pollutant levels or conditions that support the designated uses. Learn the basics of water quality criteria * ## Five-Year Review of Recreational Criteria The EPA is required to review its recommended recreational water quality criteria (RWQC) every five years. Learn about EPA’s Second Five-Year Review * ## Bioassessment and Biocriteria Programs Many states and territories evaluate the health of their streams and rivers using bioassessment and biological criteria. Use our map to view if your state or territory has a program * ## Numeric Nutrient Criteria Water quality criteria for nitrogen and phosphorus help to protect water bodies and restore those that are impaired by nutrient pollution. Learn about Numeric Nutrient Criteria * ## What are Water Quality Criteria? Criteria help protect water bodies by identifying pollutant levels or conditions that support the designated uses. Learn the basics of water quality criteria
1234 The Clean Water Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop criteria for surface water quality that accurately reflect the latest scientific knowledge on the impacts of pollutants on human health and the environment.
Criteria Tables
* Aquatic Life Criteria Table
* Human Health Criteria Table
* Organoleptic Effects Criteria Table
Human Health
* Toxics Criteria and Methods
* Human Health Criteria for PFAS
* Recreational Criteria and Methods
Aquatic Life
* Toxics Criteria and Methods
* PFAS and Aquatic Life
* Nutrient Water Quality Criteria
* Biological Water Quality Criteria
* Other Aquatic Life Water Quality Resources
Related Resources
- State-Specific Water Quality Standards Effective under the Clean Water Act (CWA)
- Water Quality Standards
- Water Quality Standards Training
- NPDES Permit Training
- Federal-State Toxicology Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC)
- Ground Water and Drinking Water
Contact Us about Water Quality Criteria to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem. Last updated on April 14, 2026 Welcome! Please share your feedback on how we can make www.epa.gov work better for you. A red asterisk (*) indicates a required field.
Success
Thank you. Your feedback has been received.
Error
alert message Required Questions - page 1 of 2 question_55203_answer_01 How would you rate your experience on www.epa.gov today? *
0 Stars 1 Star 2 Stars 3 Stars 4 Stars 5 Stars Please explain the reason for your rating. * 400 characters allowed Would you like to take two more minutes to answer more questions to help us improve our services? Yes, keep going → No, only submit these responses Optional questions - page 2 of 2 How would you describe yourself? Business Government employee Scientist Student Other Enter other text Please tell us why you visited www.epa.gov today. 400 characters allowed Did you visit www.epa.gov to accomplish a specific task? If yes, please explain why you were able or unable to accomplish your task. 400 characters allowed How can we make www.epa.gov a more helpful website? 400 characters allowed Submit []: required