Section 303(c) of the CWA establishes the basis for the current water quality standards program. Section 303(c):
1.Defines water quality standards;
2.Identifies acceptable beneficial uses: propagation of fish, shellfish and wildlife, public, agricultural, industrial water supplies and navigation;
3.Requires that State and Tribal standards protect public health or welfare, enhance the quality of water and serve the purposes of the Act;
4.Requires that States and Tribes review their standards at least every three years;
5.Establishes the process for EPA review of State and Tribal standards, including where necessary the promulgation of a superseding Federal rule in cases where a State's or Tribe's standards are not consistent with applicable requirements of the CWA or in situations where the Administrator determines that Federal standards are necessary to meet the requirements of the Act.