EPA Issues Final Updated Human Health Ambient Water Quality Criteria

EPA has published updated national recommended water quality criteria for the protection of human health for 94 chemical pollutants.  These 2015 criteria reflect the latest scientific information and EPA policies, including updated body weight, drinking water consumption rate, fish consumption rate, bioaccumulation factors, health toxicity values, and relative source contributions.  The Agency accepted written scientific views from the public on the draft updated human health criteria from May to August 2014 and has published responses to those comments. EPA water quality criteria serve as recommendations to states and tribes authorized to establish water quality standards for surface waters under the Clean Water Act.  Learn more here.