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Water Resource Use Characterization/Designation


Each source of water, be it lake, reservoir, estuary, stream, or river, is classified according to a predetermined designated use. Each state sets water quality standards appropriate for each designated use; these state standards must be at least as strict as federal water quality standards. When waters are of sufficient quality to fulfill their classification requirements, they are said to support their classification. Examples of designated uses are as follows:

Water Supply

  • Human Consumption (drinking water): To be designated for human consumption, a water supply must be fit for drinking, culinary, and other domestic purposes, such as inclusion in food products. State standards specify maximum concentration levels of potentially harmful contaminants. Unless noted otherwise, all criteria are applicable to drinking water after treatment. Raw water (water before treatment) criteria are dependent upon the technology level at the potable water plant. Technology varies according to the funding available to the local public works department. Check with local water plant managers for details.

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  • Industrial Use: An industry includes water in non-food products, processing, and cooling. Examples include the pulp and paper industry, chemical manufacturing, and steelworking.
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  • Irrigation: Water is used to supplement precipitation for growing crops . (Irrigation water supply designation is not specifically addressed by the decision support system.)
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  • Livestock Water Supply: Water is used by livestock and poultry for drinking and cleansing. (Livestock water supply designation is not specifically addressed by the decision support system.)
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  • Navigation: Water is used for the commercial transfer (via boats) of persons, animals, and goods. (Navigational water supply designation is not specifically addressed by the decision support system.)
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Aquatic Life Support

  • Aquatic Life - General Protection: Water quality must be sufficient to maintain the ecological integrity of rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and estuaries, including the sustained growth and propagation of aquatic organisms (fish, invertebrates, insect larvae, macrophytes and plankton), semi-aquatic organisms, and terrestrial wildlife dependent on surface water for survival.
  • Fishing: Use of water for the legal taking of fish for the purpose of human consumption.

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  • Shellfishing: Use of water for the legal taking of shellfish for the purpose of human consumption.

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Recreation

Recreational water use is subdivided into two categories, primary and secondary contact. Primary Contact refers to body immersion in water. Examples of primary contact include swimming, skin diving, and water skiing. Secondary Contact refers to body contact with water. Examples of secondary contact include rafting, canoeing, and kayaking.

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Additional Information