What chemical water quality criteria apply to primary headwater streams?
The chemical water quality criteria for the warmwater habitat use designation apply to all surface waters of the State, including primary headwater streams, not specifically named in the Ohio’s Water Quality Standards rules. If a primary headwater stream is named in the Ohio Water Quality Standards rules, the water quality criteria associated with the designated beneficial uses apply. Does the State’s antidegradation rule apply to primary habitat streams? Yes. Primary headwater streams, even if not specifically named in the Ohio’s Water Quality Standards rules, are considered general high quality waters and are subject to all applicable provisions of the antidegradation rule.
