What are AWQC?
A. Ambient Water Quality Criteria serve as the scientific foundation for state surface water quality standards. Separate AWQC are derived to protect aquatic life and human health. EPA’s Criteria Table lists aquatic life, human health, and nutrient criteria for 158 pollutants, 15 of which were last revised in December 2003. The target goal of the aquatic life AWQC is to protect 95% of aquatic species. Section 304(a(1) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires EPA to develop and publish, and, from time to time, revise criteria for water accurately reflecting the latest scientific knowledge. Water quality criteria developed under section 304(a) are based solely on data and scientific judgments. They do not consider economic impacts or the technological feasibility of meeting the criteria in ambient water. Section 304(a) criteria provide guidance to States and Tribes in adopting water quality standards. The criteria also provide a scientific basis for EPA to develop Federally promulgated water
