In accordance with Sections 305(b) and 303(d) of the Federal
Clean Water Act (CWA), the Illinois EPA must report to the USEPA
on the quality of Illinois surface water (e.g., lakes, streams,
Lake Michigan, wetlands) and groundwater resources (Section 305b)
and provide a list of those waters where their designated uses
are deemed "impaired" (Section 303d). In addition,
the Illinois EPA must assess the water quality of all publicly-owned
lakes in accordance with section 314(a)(1). To aid in making
these determinations, the Illinois EPA annually collects chemical,
physical, biological, habitat, and toxicity data, depending on
the type of water body. Data Collected from outside sources may
also be considered during this process.
Resource quality conditions are assessed in terms of the degree
to which waters attain "beneficial uses", also called
"designated uses". Pollution control programs are designed
to protect designated individual uses, including aquatic life,
indigenous aquatic life, primary contact (swimming), public and
food processing water supply (drinking water), secondary control,
aesthetic quality, and fish consumption. Each state has the responsibility
to set water quality standards that protects these uses. In Illinois,
the Illinois Pollution Control Board is the regulatory body responsible
for establishing water quality standards.
Results of more recent statewide assessments can be found in
the following "Integrated Water Quality Report and Section
303d List" documents and Illinois Water Quality Mapping
Tool. Previous assessments can be found in "Illinois Water
Quality Reports" and associated "Condition of Illinois
Water Resources" reports.
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