National Water Quality Inventory

Section 305(b) of the CWA calls for a biennial report to Congress on the health of all waters. The 305(b) report serves as each states' primary regular assessment of water quality. It serves as the basis for identifying problems (303(d) list), and is often used to set priorities and develop management plans (TMDLs). It must include:

• a description of the quality of each water body and of the extent to which its quality provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and allows recreational activities in and on the water;
• an estimate of the extent to which CWA programs have improved water quality and recommendations for future actions;
• an estimate of the environmental, economic and social costs and benefits associated with achieving the objectives of the Act for each water, and the estimated date of that achievement;
• an assessment of the water quality status and trends of all public lakes;
• a description of the nature and extent of “nonpoint source pollution” and recommendations of programs necessary to control each category of nonpoint source pollution, including an estimate of implementation costs.

States may also include in the 305(b) report a description of the nature and extent of groundwater pollution and state plans or programs to maintain or improve groundwater quality.
(40CFR130.8)

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