Use-Classification Studies

Water bodies are designated by the uses they support, such as aquatic life, recreation, water supply, and agriculture. Many water bodies were assigned uses in the 1970s with little site-specific information. Studies can be conducted to determine if default use classifications are appropriate for specific stream reaches or segments. This may involve checking state records of wells and diversions to evaluate if, for example, a water supply use actually does exist, or, conducting on-site surveys to determine if anglers actually catch fish in a lake.