Water quality standards are laws or regulations that states authorize to enhance water quality and protect public health and welfare. Water quality standards provide the foundation for accomplishing two of the principal goals of the CWA. These goals are: Restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters, achieve water quality that promotes protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and provides for recreation in and on the water. This document examines the water quality and TMDL of the Sangamon River/Lake Decatur through extensive studies.
