Water Quality Standards Regulations: Pennsylvania
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.
On this page:
State Standards in Effect for CWA Purposes
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Pennsylvania Code, Title 25, Chapter 16, Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy-Statement of Policy (pdf)
(Effective March 19, 2021) Includes guidelines for development of criteria for toxic substances and water quality criteria for toxic substances, analytical methods and detection limits for toxic substances, and special provisions for the Great Lakes System. -
Pennsylvania Code, Title 25, Chapter 93, Water Quality Standards (pdf)
(Effective November 9, 2023) Includes definitions, defines the Commonwealth's protected water uses and statewide water uses, antidegradation requirements, water quality criteria, and designated water uses. Please note that not all parts of this document are effective for CWA purposes. Refer to cover page for more detailed information. - Pennsylvania Code, Title 25, Chapter 92a.51, Schedules of Compliance (pdf) (Effective December 13, 2023) Includes compliance schedule authorizing provisions for Pennsylvania.
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Delaware River Basin Commission, Administrative Manual-Part III, Water Quality Regulations (pdf)
(Effective July 8, 2014) This document is incorporated into [New Jersey's/Pennsylvania/Delaware's] water quality standards by reference.