Water: Water Quality Standards Academy
Education & TrainingTraining ProgramsWater Quality Standards AcademyBasic Course: Supplemental Topics - SummaryBasic Course: Supplemental Topics - Summary
Course Navigation
- Listing Impaired Waters and Developing TMDLs
- 303(d) List and TMDLs Development
- 303(d) List: Identifying Impaired/Threatened Waters
- 303(d) List: Prioritizing Impaired/Threatened Waters
- Water Quality Reporting Requirements under CWA
- 303(d) Submissions: Integrated Report Format
- 303(d) Submissions: Integrated Reporting Categories
- TMDL Development: Introduction
- TMDL Development: The Basic Calculation
- TMDL Development: Documentation and Review
- TMDL Implementation: Pollutant Source Control Mechanisms
- 303(d) List and TMDLs: Public Participation
- Summary
- Quiz
- Monitoring & Assessment
- NPDES Permit Program
- Human Health Ambient Water Quality Criteria
- Aquatic Life Criteria
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States and Tribes are required under CWA Section 303(d) to identify, prioritize, and establish TMDLs for impaired waters as well as those with water quality that is threatened with impairment. States/Tribes must submit the 303(d) list of impaired/threatened water bodies to EPA every 2 years.
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In addition, Section 305(b) requires that States/Tribes submit a description of the water quality of all waters in the State/Tribe's boundaries. Further, Section 314 requires States/Tribes as part of their 305(b) report to submit information to EPA on the water quality status of all publicly owned lakes.
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EPA encourages States/Tribes to submit their list of impaired or threatened water bodies in an "integrated report" that also includes their required submissions under Section 305(b) and Section 314. Using the Integrated Report option to submit this information satisfies the requirements under all three sections of the CWA.
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States and Tribes must develop TMDLs for each water body/pollutant combination identified on the 303(d) list. The allocations to point and nonpoint sources in the TMDL provide the basis for establishing water quality-based controls that—when implemented — should result in attainment of standards.
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The TMDL document must include components required by statute or regulation. EPA guidance recommends additional components.
- TMDLs are not self-implementing. Rather, existing implementation mechanisms vary depending on the source: Point source controls are enforceable under the NPDES permit program. Nonpoint source controls are primarily implemented through State/Tribal and local nonpoint source management programs.
