Water Quality

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• Proposed Water Quality Standards

  Proposed amendments to Connecticut’s Water Quality Standards 2009.

• 2019 Triennial Review of the Connecticut Water Quality Standards

• Water Quality Reclassification

  Information regarding a request to change the surface or ground water quality classification of a property or area

• 2013 Proposed Water Quality Standards Regulations

  Previous (2013) proposed changes to the Connecticut Water Quality Standards.

• Water Quality Classification Maps

  Water Quality Classification Maps by Town.

• Cyanobacteria Blooms

  Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, occur naturally in lakes and ponds throughout Connecticut.  These microscopic organisms often go unnoticed and cause no harm.  However, excessive nutrient pollution and climate change are causing waterbodies to experience more frequent nuisance cyanobacteria blooms that may produce and release toxins.  When cyanobacteria blooms release toxins, people and animals using the water body for recreation can have health effects.  It is important to note that not all algal blooms are harmful algae blooms (HABs), however it is not possible to determine the level of toxins in the water without a more detailed evaluation. Out of precaution it is best to avoid direct contact with water experiencing a bloom.  When in doubt, stay out!   

• Integrated Water Resource Management

  Connecticut is using a new approach called Integrated Water Resource Management as the basis to address the existing goals of protecting and restoring Connecticut's waters.

• Fact Sheet for the Water Quality Standards and Classifications

  The Connecticut Water Quality Standards form the foundation of water quality programs in CT. This fact sheet provides a summary of water quality classification definitions and provides general information.

• Archive of Water Quality Standards Documents

  This archive contains copies of Water Quality Standards which were previously adopted in Connecticut.

• Triennial Review Process for Water Quality Standards

  Explanation of the Triennial Review Process for the Connecticut Water Quality Standards.

• Clean Water Act Accomplishments

  A chronology of the Clean Water Act in Connecticut.