Take action: impaired waters list

Request your state's list of “threatened and impaired waters” (303(d) list).You can also get it online at http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/tmdl/. Examine the water bodies on the list that you know best. Does the list include all the threats or impairments that you know?

Determine when the agency will start collecting data for the next list. Get on the mailing list for public notices of 303(d) list development.

Find out whether the state accepts volunteer water quality monitoring data for 303(d) listing and, if so, what the quality assurance protocol involves.

Take pictures to assist with listings (e.g.,muddy waters on rainy days).

Find out if your state has listed any “threatened waters” and scheduled them for TMDL development. If not, pursue the listing of a popular water segment that has a high profile threat.

Identify key problems across the state (e.g., high temperatures, excessive nitrogen and phosphorus) that most frequently place water bodies on the 303(d) list. Ask the state for a broader strategy to address these common problems.

Request the priority schedule for addressing 303(d) listed water bodies and the basis for the priority rankings. Ask how endangered species and drinking water needs factor into these priorities. Where does your watershed fall in the state's priorities?

Be especially alert to changes in the list. States are developing procedures for removing water bodies from the 303(d) list. Ask when waters are removed from the 303(d) list. Ask whether waters are automatically removed from the 303(d) list once TMDLs are developed and approved for them.