Decision on Iowa’s Water Quality Requirements

(Kansas City, Kan., May 22, 2009) - E.P.A. has approved revised Iowa water quality requirements to support recreational activities and the protection of aquatic life. The approved water quality requirements protect 83 water bodies in Iowa.

"EPA appreciates Iowa's effort to determine reasonable and appropriate water quality standards. We also appreciate Iowa's ongoing effort to protect the waters of the state," said William Rice, Acting Regional Administrator.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) submitted new and revised Iowa surface water quality requirements to E.P.A. for review and approval, as required by the Clean Water Act. These requirements update the state's use designations following site-specific field studies to determine the highest attainable use for the individual waters.

EPA's May 22, 2009, decision letter provides a more detailed description of EPA's review and the basis for this action. The decision letter is accessible at www.epa.gov/region07/news_events/legal.

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