Question

How water is affected by use of microorganisms in food?

Answer 1

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) has established water quality standards to protect these beneficial uses. The standards, based on supporting the various beneficial uses, determine the acceptable levels or ranges for water quality parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Water quality standards set by ODEQ are reviewed and updated every three years. ODEQ and others monitor water quality parameters in streams and other waterbodies throughout Oregon. Waterbodies that are not within the standards are listed as "water quality impaired." The list of impaired streams is called the "303(d) list," after section 303(d) of the 1972 Clean Water Act. # 303D streams in Umpqua Basin and # in entire state.

For each stream on the 303(d) list, ODEQ determines the total maximum daily load, or TMDL, allowable for each parameter. TMDL is a limit on pollution, developed when streams or other waterbodies do not meet water quality standards. TMDL plans consider both human-related and natural pollution sources. Streams can be de-listed once TMDL plans are complete, when monitoring shows that the stream is meeting water quality standards, or if evidence suggests that a 303(d) listing was in error