Water Quality Standards

Under Iowa’s water quality standards, it is presumed that all perennial streams and rivers on the 1:100,000 DLG hydrography data map (published July 1993) are attaining the highest level of recreational (A1) and aquatic life (BWW1) uses and should be protected for activities such as fishing and swimming. A use attainability analysis (UAA) is a process of gathering field data and assessing the available information to determine if a stream is capable of supporting the highest level of recreation and aquatic life uses, and, if not, assign more accurate recreational and aquatic life uses.

Assessment Protocols:

Surface Water Classification Document – Rule referenced document containing a list of designated water bodies in Iowa and their designated uses.

Use Attainability Analysis Database – the UAA database contains all the information on UAAs prior to 2022. Moving forward, new UAAs that are put out on public notice will be posted to this webpage under the UAA public notices tab. Once the UAAS are adopted into rule, they will be posted to ADBNet.

Water Quality Standards: Surface Water Classifications Fact Sheet – Fact sheet describing how water bodies are classified in Iowa.

Water Quality Standards: Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) Fact Sheet – Fact sheet explaining UAAs in Iowa.

DNR contact: Marie Todey, 515-204-7569, [email protected]