The 1998 305(b) Water Quality Assessment Report
The 1998 305(b) Water Quality Assessment Report describes the water quality conditions in the Commonwealth of Virginia during the period beginning July 1, 1992, through June 30,1997. The primary purpose of this report is to satisfy the Department of Environmental Quality's federal water quality reporting requirements under Sections 305(b), 106, 314 and 319 of the federal Clean Water Act. It also serves to supplement the water quality assessment requirements associated with Virginia Senate Bill 1122 (Water Quality Monitoring, Information and Restoration Act).
Virginia has nine major river basins with an estimated 49,350 miles of perennial rivers and streams, and approximately 2,500 square miles of estuaries. Virginia's overall water quality is assessed based on the ability of citizens to safely enjoy the designated uses of the waters as described in the DEQ water quality standards, including, aquatic life, fish consumption, shellfish consumption, swimming and public water supply.
Downloadable information
The 1998 Water Quality Assessment Report is available for viewing in PDF Format.
Individual sections also are available:
- Part I: Table of contents, executive summary
- Part II: State background information
- Part III: Surface water monitoring
- Part IV: Ground water protection
- Shenandoah/Potomac River Basin
- James River Basin
- Rappahannock River Basin
- Roanoke River Basin
- Chowan River/Dismal Swamp Basin
- Tennessee/Big Sandy River Basin
- Chesapeake Bay/small coastal basins
- York River Basin
- New River Basin
- Appendix: List of significant public lakes