United States Office of Water 

Environmental Protection Office of Science and Technology 2006

Agency (4304T) 

National Recommended 

Water Quality Criteria 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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Priority Pollutant 

CAS Number 

 Freshwater 

 CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Human  For ConsuWater +  Organism  (Fg/L) 

1 Antimony 7440360 5.6 B 2 Arsenic 7440382 340 A,D,K 150 A,D,K 69 A,D,bb 36 A,D,bb

0.018 C,M,S 

3 Beryllium 7440417 Z 4 Cadmium 7440439 2.0 D,E,K,bb 0.25 D,E,K,bb 40 D,bb 8.8 D,bb Z 5a Chromium (III) 16065831 570 D,E,K 74 D,E,K Z Total 5b Chromium (VI) 18540299 16 D,K 11 D,K 1,100 D,bb 50 D,bb Z Total 6 Copper 7440508 13 D,E,K,cc 9.0 D,E,K,cc 4.8 D,cc,ff 3.1 D,cc,ff 1,300 U 7 Lead 7439921 65 D,E,bb,gg 2.5 D,E,bb,gg 210 D,bb 8.1 D,bb 8a 8b 

Mercury Methylmercury 

7439976 

22967926 

1.4 D,K,hh 0.77 D,K,hh 1.8 D,ee,hh 0.94 D,ee,hh 

9 Nickel 7440020 470 D,E,K 52 D,E,K 74 D,bb 8.2 D,bb 610 B 10 Selenium 7782492 L,R,T 

5.0 T 290 D,bb,dd 71 D,bb,dd 

170 Z 

11 Silver 7440224 3.2 D,E,G 1.9 D,G 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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Priority Pollutant 

CAS Number 

 Freshwater 

 CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Human  For ConsuWater +  Organism  (Fg/L) 

12 Thallium 7440280 0.24 13 Zinc 7440666 120 D,E,K 120 D,E,K 90 D,bb 81 D,bb

7,400 

U 

14 Cyanide 57125 22 K,Q 5.2 K,Q

1 Q,bb 1 Q,bb

140 jj 

15 Asbestos 1332214 7 million 

fibers/L I

16 2,3,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin) 1746016 5.0E-9 C 17 Acrolein 107028 190 18 Acrylonitrile 107131 0.051 B,C 19 Benzene 71432 2.2 B,C 20 Bromoform 75252 4.3 B,C 21 Carbon Tetrachloride 56235 0.23 B,C 22 Chlorobenzene 108907 130 Z,U, 23 Chlorodibromomethane 124481 0.40 B,C 24 Chloroethane 75003 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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Priority Pollutant 

CAS Number 

 Freshwater 

 CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Human  For ConsuWater +  Organism  (Fg/L) 

25 2-Chloroethylvinyl Ether 110758 26 Chloroform 67663 5.7 C,P 27 Dichlorobromomethane 75274 0.55 B,C 28 1,1-Dichloroethane 75343 29 1,2-Dichloroethane 107062 0.38 B,C 30 1,1-Dichloroethylene 75354 330 31 1,2-Dichloropropane 78875 0.50 B,C 32 1,3-Dichloropropene 542756 0.34 c 33 Ethylbenzene 100414 530 34 Methyl Bromide 74839 47 B 35 Methyl Chloride 74873 36 Methylene Chloride 75092 4.6 B,C 37 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 79345 0.17 B,C 38 Tetrachloroethylene 127184 0.69 C 39 Toluene 108883 1,300 Z 40 1,2-Trans-Dichloroethylene 156605 140 Z 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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Priority Pollutant 

CAS Number 

 Freshwater 

 CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Human  For ConsuWater +  Organism  (Fg/L) 

41 1,1,1-Trichloroethane 71556 Z 42 1,1,2-Trichloroethane 79005 0.59 B,C 43 Trichloroethylene 79016 2.5 C 44 Vinyl Chloride 75014 0.025 C,kk 45 2-Chlorophenol 95578 81 B,U 46 2,4-Dichlorophenol 120832 77 B,U 47 2,4-Dimethylphenol 105679 380 B 48 2-Methyl-4,6-Dinitrophenol 534521 13 49 2,4-Dinitrophenol 51285 69 B 50 2-Nitrophenol 88755 51 4-Nitrophenol 100027 52 3-Methyl-4-Chlorophenol 59507 U 53 Pentachlorophenol 87865 19 F,K 15 F,K 13 bb 7.9 bb

0.27 B,C 

54 Phenol 108952 21,000 B,U 55 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 88062 1.4 B,C 56 Acenaphthene 83329 670 B,U 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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Priority Pollutant 

CAS Number 

 Freshwater 

 CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Human  For ConsuWater +  Organism  (Fg/L) 

57 Acenaphthylene 208968 58 Anthracene 120127 8,300 B 59 Benzidine 92875 0.000086 B,C 60 Benzo(a)Anthracene 56553 0.0038 B,C 61 Benzo(a)Pyrene 50328 0.0038 B,C 62 Benzo(b)Fluoranthene 205992 0.0038 B,C 63 Benzo(ghi)Perylene 191242 64 Benzo(k)Fluoranthene 207089 0.0038 B,C 65 Bis(2-Chloroethoxy)Methane 111911 66 Bis(2-Chloroethyl)Ether 111444 0.030 B,C 67 Bis(2-Chloroisopropyl)Ether 108601 1,400 B 68 Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)PhthalateX 117817 1.2 B,C 69 4-Bromophenyl Phenyl Ether 101553 70 Butylbenzyl Phthalate

W 85687 1,500 B 

71 2-Chloronaphthalene 91587 1,000 B 72 4-Chlorophenyl Phenyl Ether 7005723 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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Priority Pollutant 

CAS Number 

 Freshwater 

 CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Human  For ConsuWater +  Organism  (Fg/L) 

73 Chrysene 218019 0.0038 B,C 74 Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene 53703 0.0038 B,C 75 1,2-Dichlorobenzene 95501 420 76 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 541731 320 77 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 106467 63 78 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine 91941 0.021 B,C 79 Diethyl Phthalate

W 84662 17,000 B 

80 Dimethyl Phthalate

W 131113 270,000 

81 Di-n-Butyl Phthalate

W 84742 2,000 B 

82 2,4-Dinitrotoluene 121142 0.11 C 83 2,6-Dinitrotoluene 606202 84 Di-n-Octyl Phthalate 117840 85 1,2-Diphenylhydrazine 122667 0.036 B,C 86 Fluoranthene 206440 130 B 87 Fluorene 86737 1,100 B 88 Hexachlorobenzene 118741 0.00028 B,C 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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Priority Pollutant 

CAS Number 

 Freshwater 

 CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Human  For ConsuWater +  Organism  (Fg/L) 

89 Hexachlorobutadiene 87683 0.44 B,C 90 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 77474 40 U 91 Hexachloroethane 67721 1.4 B,C 92 Ideno(1,2,3-cd)Pyrene 193395 0.0038 B,C 93 Isophorone 78591 35 B,C 94 Naphthalene 91203 95 Nitrobenzene 98953 17 B 96 N-Nitrosodimethylamine 62759 0.00069 B,C 97 N-Nitrosodi-n-Propylamine 621647 0.0050 B,C 98 N-Nitrosodiphenylamine 86306 3.3 B,C 99 Phenanthrene 85018 100 Pyrene 129000 830 B 101 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 120821 35 102 Aldrin 309002 3.0 

G 1.3 

G

0.000049 

B,C

103 alpha-BHC 319846 0.0026 B,C 104 beta-BHC 319857 0.0091 B,C 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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Priority Pollutant 

CAS Number 

 Freshwater 

 CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Human  For ConsuWater +  Organism  (Fg/L) 

105 gamma-BHC (Lindane) 58899 0.95 

K 0.16 

G

0.98 

106 delta-BHC 319868 107 Chlordane 57749 2.4 

G 0.0043 G,aa 0.09 

G 0.004 G,aa

0.00080 B,C 

108 4,4'-DDT 50293 1.1 G,ii 0.001 G,aa,ii 0.13 G,ii 0.001 G,aa,ii

0.00022 B,C 

109 4,4'-DDE 72559 0.00022 B,C 110 4,4'-DDD 72548 0.00031 B,C 111 Dieldrin 60571 0.24 

K 0.056 K,O 0.71 

G 0.0019 G,aa

0.000052 

B,C

112 alpha-Endosulfan 959988 0.22 G,Y 0.056 G,Y 0.034 G,Y 0.0087 G,Y

62 B 

113 beta-Endosulfan 33213659 0.22 G,Y 0.056 G,Y 0.034 G,Y 0.0087 G,Y

62 B 

114 Endosulfan Sulfate 1031078 62 B 115 Endrin 72208 0.086 

K 0.036 K,O 0.037 

G 0.0023 G,aa

0.059 

116 Endrin Aldehyde 7421934 0.29 B 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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Priority Pollutant 

CAS Number 

 Freshwater 

 CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Human  For ConsuWater +  Organism  (Fg/L) 

117 Heptachlor 76448 0.52 

G 0.0038 G,aa 0.053 

G 0.0036 G,aa

0.000079 

B,C

118 Heptachlor Epoxide 1024573 0.52 G,V 0.0038 G,V,aa 0.053 G,V 0.0036 G,V,aa

0.000039 

B,C

119 Polychlorinated Biphenyls 

PCBs: 

0.014 N,aa 0.03 N,aa

0.000064 

B,C,N

120 Toxaphene 8001352 0.73 0.0002 aa 0.21 0.0002 aa 

0.00028B,C 

Footnotes:A This recommended water quality criterion was derived from data for arsenic (III), but is applied here to total arsenic, which might im

arsenic (V) are equally toxic to aquatic life and that their toxicities are additive. In the arsenic criteria document (EPA 440/5-84-03

Mean Acute Values are given for both arsenic (III) and arsenic (V) for five species and the ratios of the SMAVs for each species ran

Chronic values are available for both arsenic (III) and arsenic (V) for one species; for the fathead minnow, the chronic value for arse

chronic value for arsenic (III). No data are known to be available concerning whether the toxicities of the forms of arsenic to aquati

B This criterion has been revised to reflect The Environmental Protection Agency=s q1* or RfD, as contained in the Integrated Risk In

as of May 17, 2002. The fish tissue bioconcentration factor (BCF) from the 1980 Ambient Water Quality Criteria document was ret

C This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a 

 the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). 

D Freshwater and saltwater criteria for metals are expressed in terms of the dissolved metal in the water column. The recommended w

 value was calculated by using the previous 304(a) aquatic life criteria expressed in terms of total recoverable metal, and multiplyin (CF). The term "Conversion Factor" (CF) represents the recommended conversion factor for converting a metal criterion expresse

fraction in the water column to a criterion expressed as the dissolved fraction in the water column. (Conversion Factors for saltwateavailable. Conversion factors derived for saltwater CMCs have been used for both saltwater CMCs and CCCs). See "Office of WaGuidance on Interpretation and Implementation of Aquatic Life Metals Criteria,@ October 1, 1993, by Martha G. Prothro, Acting As
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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Water, available from the Water Resource center, USEPA, 401 M St., SW, mail code RC4100, Washington, DC 20460; and 40CFR

Conversion Factors applied in the table can be found in Appendix A to the Preamble- Conversion Factors for Dissolved Metals. 

E The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. The value given here corr

100 mg/L. Criteria values for other hardness may be calculated from the following: CMC (dissolved) = exp{mA [ln(hardness)]+ bA

(dissolved) = exp{mC [ln (hardness)]+ bC} (CF) and the parameters specified in Appendix B- Parameters for Calculating Freshwater 

That Are Hardness-Dependent. 

F Freshwater aquatic life values for pentachlorophenol are expressed as a function of pH, and are calculated as follows: CMC = exp(

 CCC = exp(1.005(pH)-5.134). Values displayed in table correspond to a pH of 7.8. 

G This Criterion is based on 304(a) aquatic life criterion issued in 1980, and was issued in one of the following documents: Aldrin/Die

019), Chlordane (EPA 440/5-80-027), DDT (EPA 440/5-80-038), Endosulfan (EPA 440/5-80-046), Endrin (EPA 440/5-80-047), H

052), Hexachlorocyclohexane (EPA 440/5-80-054), Silver (EPA 440/5-80-071). The Minimum Data Requirements and derivation 

in the 1980 Guidelines than in the 1985 Guidelines. For example, a ACMC@ derived using the 1980 Guidelines was derived to be us

maximum. If assessment is to be done using an averaging period, the values given should be divided by 2 to obtain a value that is m

derived using the 1985 Guidelines. 

H No criterion for protection of human health from consumption of aquatic organisms excluding water was presented in the 1980 crite

1986 Quality Criteria for Water. Nevertheless, sufficient information was presented in the 1980 document to allow the calculation 

the results of such a calculation were not shown in the document. 

I This criterion for asbestos is the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) developed under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). J This fish tissue residue criterion for methylmercury is based on a total fish consumption rate of 0.0175 kg/day. K This recommended criterion is based on a 304(a) aquatic life criterion that was issued in the 1995 Updates: Water Quality Criteria D

Protection of Aquatic Life in Ambient Water, (EPA-820-B-96-001, September 1996). This value was derived using the GLI Guideli

March 23, 1995; 40CFR132 Appendix A); the difference between the 1985 Guidelines and the GLI Guidelines are explained on pag

None of the decisions concerning the derivation of this criterion were affected by any considerations that are specific to the Great La

L The CMC = 1/[(f1/CMC1) + (f2/CMC2)] where f1 and f2 are the fractions of total selenium that are treated as selenite and selenate, 

and CMC2 are 185.9 Fg/l and 12.82 Fg/l, respectively. 

M EPA is currently reassessing the criteria for arsenic. N This criterion applies to total pcbs, (e.g., the sum of all congener or all isomer or homolog or Aroclor analyses.) O The derivation of the CCC for this pollutant (Endrin) did not consider exposure through the diet, which is probably important for aq upper trophic levels. P Although a new RfD is available in IRIS, the surface water criteria will not be revised until the National Primary Drinking Water Re

Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (Stage 2 DBPR) is completed, since public comment on the relative source contribu

is anticipated. 

Q This recommended water quality criterion is expressed as Fg free cyanide (as CN)/L. 

R This value for selenium was announced (61FR58444-58449, November 14, 1996) as a proposed GLI 303(c) aquatic life criterion. E

on this criterion and so this value might change substantially in the near future. 

S This recommended water quality criterion for arsenic refers to the inorganic form only. 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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T This recommended water quality criterion for selenium is expressed in terms of total recoverable metal in the water column. It is sc

use the conversion factor (0.996- CMC or 0.922- CCC) that was used in the GLI to convert this to a value that is expressed in terms 

U The organoleptic effect criterion is more stringent than the value for priority toxic pollutants. V This value was derived from data for heptachlor and the criteria document provides insufficient data to estimate the relative toxicitie

heptachlor epoxide. 

W Although EPA has not published a completed criteria document for butylbenzyl phthalate it is EPA=s understanding that sufficient d

calculation of aquatic criteria. It is anticipated that industry intends to publish in the peer reviewed literature draft aquatic life criter

with EPA Guidelines. EPA will review such criteria for possible issuance as national WQC. 

X There is a full set of aquatic life toxicity data that show that DEHP is not toxic to aquatic organisms at or below its solubility limit. 

Y This value was derived from data for endosulfan and is most appropriately applied to the sum of alpha-endosulfan and beta-endosulf

Z A more stringent MCL has been issued by EPA. Refer to drinking water regulations (40 CFR 141) or Safe Drinking Water Hotline 

 values. aa This criterion is based on a 304(a) aquatic life criterion issued in 1980 or 1986, and was issued in one of the following documents: A

440/5-80-019), Chlordane (EPA 440/5-80-027), DDT (EPA 440/5-80-038), Endrin (EPA 440/5-80-047), Heptachlor (EPA 440/5-80

biphenyls (EPA 440/5-80-068), Toxaphene (EPA 440/5-86-006). This CCC is currently based on the Final Residue Value (FRV) pr

publication of the Great Lakes Aquatic Life Criteria Guidelines in 1995 (60FR15393-15399, March 23, 1995), the Agency no longe

Value procedure for deriving CCCs for new or revised 304(a) aquatic life criteria. Therefore, the Agency anticipates that future rev

be based on the FRV procedure. 

bb This water quality criterion is based on a 304(a) aquatic life criterion that was derived using the 1985 Guidelines (Guidelines for De

Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms and Their Uses, PB85-227049, January 1985) and was issued in on

documents: Arsenic (EPA 440/5-84-033), Cadmium (EPA-822-R-01-001), Chromium (EPA 440/5-84-029), Copper (EPA 440/5-84

440/5- 84-028), Lead (EPA 440/5-84-027), Nickel (EPA 440/5-86-004), Pentachlorophenol (EPA 440/5-86-009), Toxaphene, (EPA 

(EPA 440/5-87- 003). 

cc When the concentration of dissolved organic carbon is elevated, copper is substantially less toxic and use of Water-Effect Ratios mi

dd The selenium criteria document (EPA 440/5-87-006, September 1987) provides that if selenium is as toxic to saltwater fishes in the 

fishes in the field, the status of the fish community should be monitored whenever the concentration of selenium exceeds 5.0 Fg/L in 

saltwater CCC does not take into account uptake via the food chain. 

ee This recommended water quality criterion was derived on page 43 of the mercury criteria document (EPA 440/5-84-026, January 19

of 0.025 ug/L given on page 23 of the criteria document is based on the Final Residue Value procedure in the 1985 Guidelines. Sin

Great Lakes Aquatic Life Criteria Guidelines in 1995 (60FR15393-15399, March 23, 1995), the Agency no longer uses the Final Re

deriving CCCs for new or revised 304(a) aquatic life criteria. 

ff This recommended water quality criterion was derived in Ambient Water Quality Criteria Saltwater Copper Addendum (Draft, Apri

promulgated in the Interim final National Toxics Rule (60FR22228-222237, May 4, 1995). 

gg EPA is actively working on this criterion and so this recommended water quality criterion may change substantially in the near futur

hh This recommended water quality criterion was derived from data for inorganic mercury (II), but is applied here to total mercury. If 

mercury in the water column is methylmercury, this criterion will probably be under protective. In addition, even though inorganic 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTAN

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methylmercury and methylmercury bioaccumulates to a great extent, this criterion does not account for uptake via the food chain be

not available when the criterion was derived. 

ii This criterion applies to DDT and its metabolites (i.e., the total concentration of DDT and its metabolites should not exceed this valu

jj This recommended water quality criterion is expressed as total cyanide, even though the IRIS RFD we used to derive the criterion is 

The multiple forms of cyanide that are present in ambient water have significant differences in toxicity due to their differing abilitie

moiety. Some complex cyanides require even more extreme conditions than refluxing with sulfuric acid to liberate the CN-moiety. 

cyanides are expected to have little or no >bioavailability= to humans. If a substantial fraction of the cyanide present in a water body 

form (e.g., Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3), this criterion may be over conservative. 

kk This recommended water quality criterion was derived using the cancer slope factor of 1.4 (LMS exposure from birth).
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR NON PRIORITY POLLUTANT

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Non Priority Pollutant

CAS Number 

Freshwater 

CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

Human Healt

 For Consumptio

 Water + OrgOrganism (Fg/L) Onl

1 Alkalinity -- 20000 F 2 Aluminum pH 6.5 - 9.0 7429905 750 G,I 87 G,I,L 3 Ammonia 7664417 FRESHWATER CRITERIA ARE pH, Temperature and Life-stage DEPENDEN

DOCUMENT D 

SALTWATER CRITERIA ARE pH AND TEMPERATURE DEPENDEN

4 Aesthetic Qualities -- NARRATIVE STATEMENT-- SEE DOCUMENT 5 Bacteria -- FOR PRIMARY RECREATION AND SHELLFISH USES -- SEE DOCUM6 Barium 7440393 1,000 A 7 Boron -- NARRATIVE STATEMENT-- SEE DOCUMENT 8 Chloride 16887006 860000 G 230000 G 9 Chlorine 7782505 19 11 13 7.5 C 10 Chlorophenoxy Herbicide 

(2,4,5,-TP) 

93721 10 A 

11 Chlorophenoxy Herbicide 

(2,4-D) 

94757 100 A,C 

12 Chloropyrifos 2921882 0.083 G 0.041 G 0.011 G 0.0056 G 13 Color -- NARRATIVE STATEMENT-- SEE DOCUMENT F 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR NON PRIORITY POLLUTANT

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Non Priority Pollutant

CAS Number 

Freshwater 

CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

Human Healt

 For Consumptio

 Water + OrgOrganism (Fg/L) Onl

14 Demeton 8065483 0.1 F 0.1 F 15 Ether, Bis( Chloromethyl) 542881 0.00010 E, H 0.00016 Gases, Total Dissolved -- NARRATIVE STATEMENT -- SEE DOCUMENT F 17 Guthion 86500 0.01 F 0.01 F 18 Hardness -- NARRATIVE STATEMENT-- SEE DOCUMENT 19 Hexachlorocyclo-hexaneTechnical 319868 0.0123 020 Iron 7439896 1000 F 300 A 21 Malathion 121755 0.1 F 0.1 F 22 Manganese 7439965 50 A,O 123 Methoxychlor 72435 0.03 F 0.03 F 100 A,C 24 Mirex 2385855 0.001 F 0.001 F 25 Nitrates 14797558 10,000 A 26 Nitrosamines -- 0.0008 27 Dinitrophenols 25550587 69 528 Nonylphenol 1044051 28 6.6 7.0 1.7 29 Nitrosodibutylamine,N 924163 0.0063 A,H 0.230 Nitrosodiethylamine,N 55185 0.0008 A,H 1.2
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR NON PRIORITY POLLUTANT

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Non Priority Pollutant

CAS Number 

Freshwater 

CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

Human Healt

 For Consumptio

 Water + OrgOrganism (Fg/L) Onl

31 Nitrosopyrrolidine,N 930552 0.016 H 332 Oil and Grease -- NARRATIVE STATEMENT -- SEE DOCUMENT F 33 Oxygen, Dissolved 

Freshwater Oxygen, Dissolved Saltwater 

7782447 WARMWATER AND COLDWATER MATRIX -- SEE DOCUMENT 

SALTWATER B SEE DOCUMENT 

34 Diazinon 333415 0.17 0.17 0.82 0.82 35 Parathion 56382 0.065 J 0.013 J 36 Pentachlorobenzene 608935 1.4 E 137 pH -- 6.5 - 9 F 6.5 - 8.5 F,K 5 - 9 38 Phosphorus Elemental 7723140 0.1 F,K 39 Nutrients -- See EPA=s Ecoregional criteria for Total Phosphorus, Total Nitrogen, Chlorophy

Water Clarity (Secchi depth for lakes; turbidity for streams and rivers) (& Le

Ecoregional criteria) 

40 Solids Dissolved and Salinity -- 250,000 A 

41 Solids Suspended and 

Turbidity 

-- NARRATIVE STATEMENT -- SEE DOCUMENT F 

42 Sulfide-Hydrogen Sulfide 7783064 2.0 F 2.0 F 43 Tainting Substances -- NARRATIVE STATEMENT-- SEE DOCUMENT 44 Temperature -- SPECIES DEPENDENT CRITERIA -- SEE DOCUMENT M 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR NON PRIORITY POLLUTANT

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Non Priority Pollutant

CAS Number 

Freshwater 

CMC CCC 

 (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

 Saltwater  CMC CCC  (Fg/L) (Fg/L) 

Human Healt

 For Consumptio

 Water + OrgOrganism (Fg/L) Onl

45 Tetrachlorobenzene,1,2,4,5- 95943 0.97 E 146 Tributyltin (TBT) -- 0.46 Q 0.072 Q 0.42 Q 0.0074 Q 47 Trichlorophenol,2,4,5- 95954 1,800 B,E 3,6Footnotes:A This human health criterion is the same as originally published in the Red Book which predates the 1980 methodology and did not u

BCF approach. This same criterion value is now published in the Gold Book. 

B The organoleptic effect criterion is more stringent than the value presented in the non priority pollutants table. 

C A more stringent Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) has been issued by EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Refer to drink

40CFR141 or Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) for values. 

D According to the procedures described in the Guidelines for Deriving Numerical National Water Quality Criteria for the Protection 

and Their Uses, except possibly where a very sensitive species is important at a site, freshwater aquatic life should be protected if b

Appendix C to the Preamble- Calculation of Freshwater Ammonia Criterion are satisfied. 

E This criterion has been revised to reflect EPA=s q1* or RfD, as contained in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) as of Ma

tissue bioconcentration factor (BCF) used to derive the original criterion was retained in each case. 

F The derivation of this value is presented in the Red Book (EPA 440/9-76-023, July, 1976). G This value is based on a 304(a) aquatic life criterion that was derived using the 1985 Guidelines (Guidelines for Deriving Numerica

Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms and Their Uses, PB85-227049, January 1985) and was issued in one of the followAluminum (EPA 440/5-86-008); Chloride (EPA 440/5-88-001); Chloropyrifos (EPA 440/5-86-005). 

H This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a 

 the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). 

I This value for aluminum is expressed in terms of total recoverable metal in the water column. J This value is based on a 304(a) aquatic life criterion that was issued in the 1995 Updates: Water Quality Criteria Documents for the 

in Ambient Water (EPA-820-B-96-001). This value was derived using the GLI Guidelines (60FR15393-15399, March 23, 1995; 40differences between the 1985 Guidelines and the GLI Guidelines are explained on page iv of the 1995 Updates. No decision concer

affected by any considerations that are specific to the Great Lakes. 

K According to page 181 of the Red Book: 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR NON PRIORITY POLLUTANT

17 

For open ocean waters where the depth is substantially greater than the euphotic zone, the pH should not be changed more than naturally occurring variation or any case outside the range of 6.5 to 8.5. For shallow, highly productive coastal and estuarine a

occurring pH variations approach the lethal limits of some species, changes in pH should be avoided but in any case should noestablished for fresh water, i.e., 6.5-9.0. 

L There are three major reasons why the use of Water-Effect Ratios might be appropriate. (1) The value of 87 Fg/l is based on a toxic

bass in water with pH= 6.5-6.6 and hardness <10 mg/L. Data in AAluminum Water-Effect Ratio for the 3M Plant Effluent Discharg

Virginia@ (May 1994) indicate that aluminum is substantially less toxic at higher pH and hardness, but the effects of pH and hardnes

this time. (2) In tests with the brook trout at low pH and hardness, effects increased with increasing concentrations of total aluminum 

concentration of dissolved aluminum was constant, indicating that total recoverable is a more appropriate measurement than dissolvparticulate aluminum is primarily aluminum hydroxide particles. In surface waters, however, the total recoverable procedure might 

associated with clay particles, which might be less toxic than aluminum associated with aluminum hydroxide. (3) EPA is aware of f

many high quality waters in the U.S. contain more than 87 Fg aluminum/L, when either total recoverable or dissolved is measured. 

M U.S. EPA. 1973. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA.; U.S. 

Criteria for Freshwater Fish: Protocol and Procedures. EPA-600/3-77-061. National Technical Information Service, Springfield, V

N U.S. EPA. 1986. Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Dissolved Oxygen. EPA 440/5-86-003. National Technical Information Serv

O This criterion for manganese is not based on toxic effects, but rather is intended to minimize objectionable qualities such as laundry 

 objectionable tastes in beverages. P Lakes and Reservoirs in Nutrient Ecoregion: II EPA 822-B-00-007, III EPA 822-B-01-008, IV EPA 822-B-01-009, V EPA 822-B-0

008 , VII EPA 822-B-00-009, VIII EPA 822-B-01-015, IX EPA 822-B-00-011, XI EPA 822-B-00-012, XII EPA 822-B-00-013, XII

XIV EPA 822-B-01-011; Rivers and Streams in Nutrient Ecoregion: I EPA 822-B-01-012, II EPA 822-B-00-015, III EPA 822-B-00

013, V EPA 822-B-01-014, VI EPA 822-B-00-017, VII EPA 822-B-00-018, VIII EPA 822-B-01-015, IX EPA 822-B-00-019, X EP

822-B-00-020, XII EPA 822-B-00-021, XIV EPA 822-B-00-022; and Wetlands in Nutrient Ecoregion XIII EPA 822-B-00-023. 

Q EPA announced the availability of a draft updated tributyltin (TBT) document on August 7, 1997 (62FR42554). The Agency has re

and anticipates releasing an updated document for public comment in the near future.
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR ORGANOLEPTIC EFFECTS

18 

 Pollutant CAS Number 

Organoleptic Effect Criteria 

(Fg/L) FR Cite

1 Acenaphthene 83329 20 Gold Book 2 Monochlorobenzene 108907 20 Gold Book 3 3-Chlorophenol -- 0.1 Gold Book 4 4-Chlorophenol 106489 0.1 Gold Book 5 2,3-Dichlorophenol -- 0.04 Gold Book 6 2,5-Dichlorophenol -- 0.5 Gold Book 7 2,6-Dichlorophenol -- 0.2 Gold Book 8 3,4-Dichlorophenol -- 0.3 Gold Book 9 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol 95954 1 Gold Book 10 2,4,6-Trichloropehnol 88062 2 Gold Book 11 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol -- 1 Gold Book 12 2-Methyl-4-Chlorophenol -- 1800 Gold Book 13 3-Methyl-4-Chlorophenol 59507 3000 Gold Book 14 3-Methyl-6-Chlorophenol -- 20 Gold Book 15 2-Chlorophenol 95578 0.1 Gold Book 16 Copper 7440508 1000 Gold Book 17 2,4-Dichlorophenol 120832 0.3 Gold Book 18 2,4-Dimethylpehnol 105679 400 Gold Book 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR ORGANOLEPTIC EFFECTS

19 

 Pollutant CAS Number 

Organoleptic Effect Criteria 

(Fg/L) FR Cite

19 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 77474 1 Gold Book 20 Nitrobenzene 98953 30 Gold Book 21 Pentachlorophenol 87865 30 Gold Book 22 Phenol 108952 300 Gold Book 23 Zinc 7440666 5000 45 FR79341 General notes:1. These criteria are based on organoleptic (taste and odor) effects. Because of variations in chemical nomenclature systems, this listin

duplicate the listing in Appendix A of 40 CFR Part 423. Also listed are the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry numbers, wh

identification for each chemical. 
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA

20 

Additional Notes: 1. Criteria Maximum Concentration and Criterion Continuous Concentration The Criteria Maximum Concentration (CMC) is an estimate of the highest concentration of a material in surface water to which an a

exposed briefly without resulting in an unacceptable effect. The Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC) is an estimate of the highes

material in surface water to which an aquatic community can be exposed indefinitely without resulting in an unacceptable effect. The C

of the six parts of an aquatic life criterion; the other four parts are the acute averaging period, chronic averaging period, acute frequency 

and chronic frequency of allowed exceedence. Because 304(a) aquatic life criteria are national guidance, they are intended to be protec

the aquatic communities in the United States.2. Criteria Recommendations for Priority Pollutants, Non Priority Pollutants and Organoleptic Effects

This compilation lists all priority toxic pollutants and some non priority toxic pollutants, and both human health effect and organolep

pursuant to CWA 

'304(a). Blank spaces indicate that EPA has no CWA 

'304(a) criteria recommendations. For a number of non-prior

listed, CWA 

'304(a) Awater + organism@ human health criteria are not available, but EPA has published MCLs under the SDWA that m

water quality standards to protect water supply designated uses. Because of variations in chemical nomenclature systems, this listing of 

duplicate the listing in Appendix A of 40 CFR Part 423. Also listed are the Chemical Abstracts Service CAS registry numbers, which p

identification for each chemical.3. Human Health Risk The human health criteria for the priority and non priority pollutants are based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels m

moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). 

4. Water Quality Criteria published pursuant to Section 304(a) or Section 303(c) of the CWA

Many of the values in the compilation were published in the California Toxics Rule. Although such values were published pursuant 

CWA, they represent the Agency=s most recent calculation of water quality criteria and are thus the Agency=s 304(a) criteria. 

5. Calculation of Dissolved Metals Criteria

The 304(a) criteria for metals, shown as dissolved metals, are calculated in one of two ways. For freshwater metals criteria that are 

dissolved metal criteria were calculated using a hardness of 100 mg/l as CaCO3 for illustrative purposes only. Saltwater and freshwater 

not hardness-dependent are calculated by multiplying the total recoverable criteria before rounding by the appropriate conversion factormetals= criteria in the table are rounded to two significant figures. Information regarding the calculation of hardness dependent convers

the footnotes. 6. Maximum Contaminant Levels

The compilation includes footnotes for pollutants with Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) more stringent than the recommende

the compilation. MCLs for these pollutants are not included in the compilation, but can be found in the appropriate drinking water regu

16 and 141.60-63), or can be accessed through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or the Internet 
21 

(http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/drinking/standards/dwstandards.pdf). 7. Organoleptic Effects

The compilation contains 304(a) criteria for pollutants with toxicity-based criteria as well as non-toxicity based criteria. The basis f

criteria are organoleptic effects (e.g., taste and odor) which would make water and edible aquatic life unpalatable but not toxic to human

criteria for organoleptic effects for 23 pollutants. Pollutants with organoleptic effect criteria more stringent than the criteria based on to

both the priority and non-priority pollutant tables) are footnoted as such. 8. Gold Book 

The AGold Book@ is Quality Criteria for Water: 1986. EPA 440/5-86-001. 

9. Correction of Chemical Abstract Services Number 

The Chemical Abstract Services number (CAS) for Bis(2-Chlorisoprpyl) Ether, has been revised in IRIS and in the table. The correc

chemical is 108-60-1. The previous CAS number for this pollutant was 39638-32-9. 10. Contaminants with Blanks 

EPA has not calculated criteria for contaminants with blanks. However, permit authorities should address these contaminants in NP

the States= existing narrative criteria for toxics. 

11. Specific Chemical Calculations

A. Selenium Aquatic Life 

 This compilation contains aquatic life criteria for selenium that are the same as those published in the proposed CTR. In the CTR, E

criterion for selenium based on the criterion proposed for selenium in the Water Quality Guidance for the Great Lakes System (61 FR 5

proposals take into account data showing that selenium=s two prevalent oxidation states in water, selenite and selenate, present differing 

toxicity, as well as new data indicating that various forms of selenium are additive. The new approach produces a different selenium ac

concentration, or CMC, depending upon the relative proportions of selenite, selenate, and other forms of selenium that are present. 

EPA is currently undertaking a reassessment of selenium, and expects the 304(a) criteria for selenium will be revised based on the fi

(63FR26186). However, until such time as revised water quality criteria for selenium are published by the Agency, the recommended wcompilation are EPA=s current 304(a) criteria.
22 

Appendices Appendix A - Conversion Factors for Dissolved Metals

Metal Conversion Factor 

freshwater CMC 

Conversion Factor 

freshwater CCC 

Conversion Factor 

saltwater CMC 

Conversion Factor 

saltwater CCC1

Arsenic 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 Cadmium 1.136672-[(ln 

hardness)(0.041838)] 

1.101672-[(ln 

hardness)(0.041838)] 

0.994 0.994 

Chromium III 0.316 0.860 -- -- Chromium VI 0.982 0.962 0.993 0.993 Copper 0.960 0.960 0.83 0.83 Lead 1.46203-[(ln 

hardness)(0.145712)] 

 1.46203-[(ln 

hardness)(0.145712)] 

0.951 0.951 

Mercury 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 Nickel 0.998 0.997 0.990 0.990 Selenium -- -- 0.998 0.998 Silver 0.85 -- 0.85 -- Zinc 0.978 0.986 0.946 0.946 
23 

Appendix B - Parameters for Calculating Freshwater Dissolved Metals Criteria That Are Hardness-Depen

Freshwater Conversion Factors (CF) 

Chemical mA bA mC bC

CMC CCC 

Cadmium 1.0166 -3.924 0.7409 -4.719 1.136672-[(ln 

hardness)(0.041838)] 

1.101672-[(ln 

hardness)(0.041838)] 

Chromium III 0.8190 3.7256 0.8190 0.6848 0.316 0.860 Copper 0.9422 -1.700 0.8545 -1.702 0.960 0.960 Lead 1.273 -1.460 1.273 -4.705 1.46203-[(ln 

hardness)(0.145712)] 

1.46203-[(ln 

hardness)(0.145712)] 

Nickel 0.8460 2.255 0.8460 0.0584 0.998 0.997 Silver 1.72 -6.59 -- -- 0.85 -- Zinc 0.8473 0.884 0.8473 0.884 0.978 0.986 

 Hardness-dependant metals= criteria may be calculated from the following: 

 CMC (dissolved) = exp{mA [ln(hardness)]+ bA} (CF) 

 CCC (dissolved) = exp{mC [ln(hardness)]+ bC} (CF) 

Appendix C - Calculation of Freshwater Ammonia Criterion1. The one-hour average concentration of total ammonia nitrogen (in mg N/L) does not exceed, more than once every three 

the CMC (acute criterion) calculated using the following equations. 

Where salmonid fish are present: 

 0.275 39.0 

CMC = -------------------- + ------------------------ 
24 

 1 + 107.204-pH 1 + 10pH-7.204

 Or where salmonid fish are not present:  0.411 58.4 

CMC = -------------------- + ------------------------ 

 1 + 107.204-pH 1 + 10pH-7.2042A. The thirty-day average concentration of total ammonia nitrogen (in mg N/L) does not exceed, more than once every thraverage, the CCC (chronic criterion) calculated using the following equations. 

When fish early life stages are present: 

 0.0577 2.487 

CCC = ‰ -------------------- + ------------------------ C MIN (2.85, 1.45 @100.028@(25-T)) 

 1 + 107.688-pH 1 + 10pH-7.688

When fish early life stages are absent: 

 0.0577 2.487 CCC = ‰ -------------------- + ------------------------ C 1.45 @100.028@(25-MAX (T,7))

 1 + 107.688-pH 1 + 10pH-7.688

2B. In addition, the highest four-day average within the 30-day period should not exceed 2.5 times the CCC.