introduction 



THE FWPCA is grateful for the assistance of the Committee in implementing the 

 Federal Water Pollution Control Act by recommending criteria for the various 

 legitimate water uses. 



One troublesome problem encountered in the initial meetings of the Committee 

 was that of semantics. The Committee faced the task of sorting out meanings among 

 the terms "criteria" and "standards." Regardless of any other uses of the words, the 

 following definitions are considered appropriate : 



Standard — a plan that is established by governmental authority as a 

 program for water pollution prevention and abatement. 



Criteria — a scientific requirement on which a decision or judgment 

 may be based concerning the suitability of water quality to support a 

 designated use. 



The standards adopted by the States include water use classifications, criteria 

 necessary to support these uses, and a plan for implementation and enforcement. 

 Occasionally, among water pollution control authorities, the words "criteria" and 

 "requirement" are used interchangeably. The same can be said for the words 

 "standards" and "objectives." 



The Federal Water Pollution Control Act authorizes the States to set standards. 

 Quality characteristics of a physical, chemical, or biological nature demanded by 

 aquatic life, industrial process, or other use, are requirements or criteria. This Report 

 of the National Technical Advisory Committee concerns criteria — a significant part 

 of water quality standards. The Committee considered the water use criteria set forth 

 in this report with the objective of assisting the State and Federal agencies in setting 

 and evaluating standards so they can meet water pollution abatement objectives. 



The Committee was concerned about several issues relating to water quality 

 standards for the control and abatement of water pollution. Foremost among these 

 is the lack of adequate knowledge concerning many of the quality characteristics 

 upon which criteria and, hence, standards should be based. The unknowns still out- 

 weigh the knowns. Complicating factors in setting standards are varying natural 

 conditions affecting water quality, such as climate, geography, and geology of a 

 specific location. The Committee does not want to be dogmatic in recommending 

 these criteria. They are meant as guidelines only, to be used in conjunction with a 

 thorough knowledge of local conditions. Further, it is anticipated that future research 

 will provide considerable basis for refinements in the recommendations. 



The Committee recognizes that the protection of water quality for legitimate 

 uses requires far more than scientific information. There is an urgent need for data 

 collected from systematic surveillance of waters and waste sources and for an 

 expanded research effort. Research needs are described in a separate document. 



Achieving water quality goals, however, requires more than research and data 

 collection. It will depend on people: alert and responsible administrators at all 

 levels of government and industry, well-trained scientists, engineers, and technicians, 

 sympathetic legislators and stockholders, and an informed public. 



Determining water quality criteria for various water uses is an important step in 

 solving the Nation's water pollution problems. Along with vigorous implementation 

 programs, it is a necessary step in achieving water quality management on a scien- 

 tific basis. The Committee firmly believes that preserving and improving the quality 

 of our water resources is well worth our best efforts. 



Federal Water Pollution Control 

 Washington, D.C. Administration 



April 1, 1968 



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