Sec.22a-426-3. Purpose, goals and applicability

(a) Purpose and Goals

The purpose of the Connecticut Water Quality Standards in addition to the statutory purposes is to:

(1) provide clear and objective statements for existing and projected water quality and the general program to improve Connecticut’s water resources;

(2) provide water quality for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and for recreation in and on the water taking into consideration their use and value for public water supplies, propagation of fish, shellfish and wildlife, recreation in and on the water and agricultural, industrial and other purposes including navigation, wherever attainable;

(3) recognize that surface and ground water are interrelated and address the issue of competing use of ground waters for drinking and for wastewater assimilation;

(4) ensure Connecticut’s compliance with requirements of federal law requiring the promulgation of water quality standards and qualify the state and its municipalities for available federal grants for water pollution control;

(5) establish designated uses for surface and ground waters and identify the criteria necessary to support those uses;

(6) focus the department’s water quality management activities, including establishment of water quality based treatment controls and strategies required by 33 USC, Chapter 26;

(7) protect the public health and welfare and promote the economic development of the state; and

(8) be consistent with health standards as established by the Department of Public Health.

(b) Applicability

The Water Quality Standards Regulations apply to:

(1) all Connecticut surface and ground waters, including all interstate waters or portions thereof within the state; and

(2) such other waters within the state as the Commissioner may determine necessary.

(Effective October 10, 2013)