Water: Module 2
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Education & TrainingTraining ProgramsWater Quality Standards AcademyModule 2Basic Course: Key Concepts (Module 2.g)
Education & TrainingTraining ProgramsWater Quality Standards AcademyModule 2Basic Course: Key Concepts (Module 2.g)Basic Course: Key Concepts (Module 2.g)
Designated Uses: Subcategories
Course Navigation
- Module 1: Overview
- Module 2: Use
- The Uses of a Water Body
- Integrity of the Nation's Waters
- CWA 101(a)(2) Uses
- The Basis for State/Tribal Water Quality Goals
- The Uses Already Attained by a Water Body
- Use Subcategories
- Subcategories for Section 101(a) Goal Uses
- Section 303 Other Uses
- Other Purposes Category
- Specify Appropriate Uses
- Changing/Removing a Designated Use
- Summary
- Quiz
- Module 3: Criteria
- Module 4: Antidegradation
- Module 5: Flexibilities
- Module 6: Review
- Certificate of Completion
Section 101(a) Goal Uses
Protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife
Considered a CWA "interim goal." To protect aquatic life uses, different uses and criteria may be established to differentiate between coldwater and warmwater fisheries.
Recreation in and on the water
Considered a CWA "interim goal." Recreational uses are often divided into two subcategories:
- Primary Contact. Protects people from illness due to immersion in water. May include swimming, water-skiing, skin diving, and surfing—all activities where ingestion is likely.
- Secondary Contact. Protects people when engaging in activities where ingestion is unlikely, such as boating and wading. These subcategories may be further divided.
Key Point. States may adopt seasonal uses as an alternative to reclassifying a water body or segment thereof to uses requiring less stringent water quality criteria. If seasonal uses are adopted, water quality criteria should be adjusted to reflect the seasonal uses, however, such criteria shall not preclude the attainment and maintenance of a more protective use in another season. (Sec. 131.10(f))
