EPA Approves Iowa Water Quality Standards

The EPA has approved the revised Iowa water quality standards adopted by the state June 16, 2004. The approved revisions now can be implemented under the Clean Water Act.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) submitted the 2004 revised Iowa Water Quality Standards to EPA for review and approval September 20, 2004, as part of the state's ongoing triennial review process.

States are required to conduct a review of their water quality standards no less frequently than every three years and submit new or revised standards to EPA. These requirements are detailed in Section 303(c) of the Clean Water Act.

The approved standards include an approach for establishing acceptable levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) on a site-specific basis.

In a decision letter, EPA acknowledged IDNR's commitment to foster public input and keep Iowans informed about the water quality standards revision process.

Source: EPA