The standards have been established to protect public health and welfare and enhance water quality in the State. If the EPA cannot approve the standards, then EPA is mandated to take over the process and set standards for state waters in a process known as promulgation. Failure by the state or EPA to implement the requirements of the CWA subjects the EPA to citizen law suits to enforce the provisions of the Act.
Designated uses are the water uses specified in water quality standards for each water body.
The CWA requires that the uses are to be achieved and protected, even if they are not currently being attained. A water body can have more than one designated use. Harvestable Shellfish Waters Water quality criteria are designed to ensure the achievement of the designated uses assigned to each water body or segment. The criteria are expressed as concentrations, parameter levels or as narrative statements. It is assumed that if criteria are met, designated uses will be protected.