EPA Issues New Draft Nutrient Criteria Recommendations for Lakes and Reservoirs

On May 22, EPA issued new draft ambient water quality criteria recommendations for nutrients in lakes and reservoirs for a 60-day comment period. These new recommendations are being provided to state clean water programs for consideration in addressing harmful algal blooms and other adverse effects of excess nutrients in surface waters. The new recommendations will replace the previous recommendations published in 2000 and 2001 and represent the latest scientific knowledge regarding the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus that are protective of drinking water sources, recreational uses and aquatic life in lakes and reservoirs. For more information, visit the EPA website.