In a previous action on March 22, 2009, EPA approved designated use changes for 83 water bodies. Iowa’s water quality standards contain more than one type of recreational use. Iowa’s primary contact recreation use designation protects for activities such as swimming, water skiing or tubing. Iowa’s secondary contact recreation use designation imposes less stringent pathogen criteria to protect for activities such as boating, fishing or wading.
“EPA appreciates Iowa’s efforts to develop reasonable and appropriate water quality standards. Protecting our recreational water resources is one of the most important components of a state’s water quality standards,” said William Rice, acting regional administrator.
These standards update the state’s use designations following site-specific field studies to determine the highest attainable use for the individual waters.
