How is water quality regulated?

Water quality regulation in Washington is an important part of protecting the environment and ensuring public health. The state’s Department of Ecology is responsible for enforcing water quality regulations, with the goal of clean, safe water throughout the state. At the federal level, the Clean Water Act sets minimum standards for water temperature, biological oxygen demand, pH balance, and other chemical compounds. These standards must be met by all surface waters, including streams, rivers, and lakes. If the state’s standards are stricter than the federal requirements, then the state standards take precedence. The state can also develop its own water quality standards, as long as they are within the federal parameters. The Department of Ecology also has authority to issue permits for the discharges of pollutants into waterways, which must meet certain requirements in order to receive approval. Discharges of wastewater, chemical pollutants, and other contaminants are strictly regulated by the state to ensure the health of local water resources. Finally, the Department of Ecology is responsible for monitoring water quality throughout the state. Regular testing is conducted to ensure that water quality is in accordance with the federal and state standards. The results of these tests are publicly available, so that everyone can stay informed about the water quality in their local area.

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