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Every other year, DWQ compiles all readily available data and conducts analyses to determine whether water quality is sufficient to meet the beneficial uses assigned to Utah’s waters.
Beneficial use assessments are made both directly and indirectly. Indirect assessments are made by comparing values obtained from water samples against water quality standards that set pollutant concentrations that must be maintained to meet beneficial uses. In contrast, biological uses are directly assessed with tools that quantify the biological health of the lake, reservoir, river, or stream. These biological assessments are typically made by comparing biota observed at a site with samples obtained from similar, relatively undisturbed waters (reference sites).
To meet our obligations under the Clean Water Act, DWQ compiles all existing and readily available data, conducts beneficial use assessments, and summarizes the results biennially in the Integrated Report (IR). The IR consists of two parts, a list of impaired waters that fail to meet water quality standards or are biologically impaired (303(d) list) and a summary of the overall condition and significant water quality threats to the beneficial uses of Utah’s waters (305(b) Report). This report is important because it allows DWQ to prioritize where limited resources can be most efficiently and effectively applied to address water quality problems. For instance, remediation plans (typically TMDLs) are developed for impaired waters, which are subsequently implemented with the assistance of the State Revolving Fund (SRF) or the nonpoint source program.
DWQ collects and analyzes thousands of samples yearly, yet it is impossible for us to be everywhere all of the time. As a result, we also rely on Utah’s citizens to submit data or inform us of water quality concerns. The Integrated Report is posted for public comment and we encourage comments on how we can more effectively conduct assessments in current and future efforts.
Tom Toole, Water Quality Assessment Program Coordinator
ttoole@utah.gov
801-538-6859 (office)
Ben Holcomb, Biological Assessment Program Coordinator
bholcomb@utah.gov
801-538-6055 (office)
Jeff Ostermiller, Section Manager, Water Quality Management
jostermiller@utah.gov
801-538-6370 (office)
801-258-1611 (mobile)
You can also sign up for the DWQ list serve to receive e-mails of all major water quality actions.
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