What are water quality standards in the context of stormwater?

Water quality standards serve as vital regulations established to protect the quality of state waters from pollution. These standards define the allowed concentrations of pollutants in water bodies, ensuring that the ecological health of these systems is maintained and that water is safe for various uses, including drinking, recreation, and supporting aquatic life. In the context of stormwater management, adherence to these standards is crucial, as stormwater can carry various pollutants from urbanized areas and agriculture into nearby water bodies, thus affecting their quality.

This focus on protecting water quality is essential for stormwater management programs, as they must incorporate practices and systems that comply with these standards to effectively mitigate potential pollution. This regulation not only helps prevent direct harm to aquatic ecosystems but also contributes to broader public health and environmental sustainability goals.