Water Quality Standards
Surface Water Quality Standards
With over 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, 7,800 lakes and 4,000 square miles of estuaries, Florida has an abundance of surface waters used for a variety of purposes by the people who live and work here, by those who are visiting, and by the fish and wildlife that depend on these waters.
The federal Clean Water Act provides the statutory basis for state water quality standards programs. The regulatory requirements governing these programs (Water Quality Standards Regulation) are published in 40 CFR 131. States are responsible for reviewing, establishing and revising water quality standards. Florida’s surface water quality standards system is published in 62-302 and 62-302.530 of the Florida Administrative Code. The components of this system include classifications, criteria, including site specific criteria, an anti-degradation policy and special protection of certain waters (Outstanding Florida Waters).
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Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently conducted its Triennial Review of Florida's Water Quality Standards. Pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act, states are required to conduct a comprehensive review of their water quality standards at least once every three years. Please click on the link above to view the 2025 updates.
Type III Nutrient SSACs for Lake Tarpon in Pinellas County
(Alternative Surface Water Quality Standards)
Water Quality Standards Program
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
2600 Blair Stone Road - MS 6511
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-245-8346
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