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Water Quality Division

Michael McIntyre

(208) 373-0570

Water Quality:

Surface Water Program Overview

 

With over 92,000 miles of rivers and streams and over 100 lakes and reservoirs, water is one of Idaho's most important resources. Our rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands not only provide great natural beauty, they supply the water necessary for drinking, recreation, industry, agriculture, and aquatic life.

 

DEQ's Surface Water Program is responsible for assuring Idaho's streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands meet their designated beneficial uses and Idaho water quality standards.
 
• DEQ uses water quality standards to know if it is doing its job to protect Idaho's water. A water quality standard defines the goals that have been set for a water body by designating the uses for the water, sets criteria necessary to protect those uses, and prevents degradation of water quality.
• The Surface Water Program routinely monitors Idaho's waters through the Beneficial Use Reconnaissance Program and assesses water quality using methods described in the Water Body Assessment Guidance.
• DEQ submits an "Integrated Report" to EPA every two years that identifies and prioritizes the state's water quality problems. This report is based on the data collected through DEQ's monitoring programs and serves as a guide for developing and implementing plans to protect beneficial uses.
• When water quality fails to meet state water quality standards (as documented in the Integrated Report), the Surface Water Program determines the causes and sources of pollutants in a subbasin assessment and sets maximum pollutant levels, called total maximum daily loads (TMDLs).
• An implementation plan is written after a TMDL is developed. The plan provides details of the actions needed to achieve pollutant load reductions and a schedule of those actions. The plan also specifies monitoring needed to document action and progress toward meeting water quality standards.
• Other water quality plans, such as lake management plans and water quality summary reports, are prepared periodically by surface water quality staff.
• Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification is required for each surface water related permit or license issued by a federal agency to ensure that the proposed project will not violate the state's water quality standards. DEQ is responsible for issuing 401 certifications in Idaho. Dam licenses, dredge and fill permits, and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits require 401certification.



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