Water Quality Standards Regulations: Alaska

Presented are water quality standards in effect for Clean Water Act (CWA) purposes for this state.

The EPA is posting these standards as a convenience to users and has made a reasonable effort to assure their accuracy. For each document listed under "State Standards in Effect for CWA Purposes", the EPA has made a reasonable effort to identify parts of the standards that are disapproved or are otherwise not in effect for CWA purposes. Additionally, please note the documents may also contain provisions that the EPA does not have the authority and duty to act on under the Clean Water Act because the provisions are not water quality standards.

• What is a New or Revised Water Quality Standard Under CWA 303(c)(3)? - Frequently Asked Questions (pdf) (108.04 KB)

• State Standards in Effect for CWA Purposes
• Federally Proposed or Promulgated Standards

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State Standards in Effect for CWA Purposes

• Water Quality Standards, Chapter 70 (2024) (pdf) (1.95 MB)
  (Effective August 19, 2024) These regulations contain additional provisions related to groundwater and enforcement discretion provisions (18 AAC 70.005, 18 AAC 70.050 (2) and 18 AAC 70.990 (28)) that are outside the scope of the federal water quality standards regulations. However, these provisions have been included here as context for the reader. Please note that certain provisions contained in this document are not effective for Clean Water Act purposes (refer to cover page for more information).
  • Water Quality Standards, Chapter 70 (2003) (pdf) (468.15 KB)
    (Effective February 27, 2004) Please refer to the 2021 Water Quality Standards for the most recent, CWA effective regulations. These 2003 Water Quality Standards are posted as a reference for provisions that were disapproved or withdrawn in the 2021 Water Quality Standards.
• Alaska Water Quality Criteria Manual for Toxic and Other Deleterious Organic and Inorganic Substances (pdf) (3.04 MB)
  (Effective April 14, 2023) Please note that certain provisions contained in this document are not effective for Clean Water Act purposes (refer to cover page for more information).

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Federally Proposed or Promulgated Standards

• 40 CFR §131.36  Toxics criteria for those states not complying with Clean Water Act section 303(c)(2)(B)
• Water Quality Standards to Protect Human Health in Alaska

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Selected Actions and Correspondence

Recent actions along with supporting documents are provided for reference.

• EPA Approval of Revisions to Alaska Recreational Water Quality Criteria for Fresh and Marine Water - May 12, 2017 (pdf) (703.38 KB)