Water Quality Standards Regulations: Tennessee

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

• Nutrient Criteria (pdf) (135.13 KB)
  (Effective December 22, 2003) Emergency rulemaking 1200-4-3-.03(3)(k) establishing a nutrient criterion applicable to all waters of the state.
• Chapter 0400-40-03 General Water Quality Criteria (pdf) (571.9 KB)
  (Effective June 20, 2024) State regulation establishing water quality standards for surface waters of the State.
• Chapter 0400-40-04 Use Classifications for Surface Waters (pdf) (422.93 KB)
  (Effective June 20, 2024) State regulation establishing use classifications for surface waters of the State.

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Federally Proposed or Promulgated Standards

• None at this time.