Water Quality Standards Regulations: North Carolina

Presented are water quality standards in effect for Clean Water Act (CWA) purposes for this state.

The EPA is posting these standards as a convenience to users and has made a reasonable effort to assure their accuracy. For each document listed under "State Standards in Effect for CWA Purposes", the EPA has made a reasonable effort to identify parts of the standards that are disapproved or are otherwise not in effect for CWA purposes. Additionally, please note the documents may also contain provisions that the EPA does not have the authority and duty to act on under the Clean Water Act because the provisions are not water quality standards.

• What is a New or Revised Water Quality Standard Under CWA 303(c)(3)? - Frequently Asked Questions (pdf) (108.04 KB)

• State Standards in Effect for CWA Purposes
• Federally Proposed or Promulgated Standards

---

State Standards in Effect for CWA Purposes

• Subchapter 2B ‐ Surface Water and Wetland Standards Sections .0100 – .0300 (pdf) (759.04 KB)
  (Effective March 7, 2024) Section .0100 contains the procedures for assignment of water quality standards. Section .0200 contains the classifications and water quality standards applicable to surface waters and wetlands of North Carolina. Sections .0300-.0317 contain assignment of stream classifications for state waters within North Carolina’s 16 major river basins. Please note that not all provisions are in effect for CWA purposes. Refer to cover page for more information.
• Thermal (Temperature) Variances to North Carolina Water Quality Standards (pdf) (57.11 KB)
  (Effective April 23, 2006) Information detailing variances from water quality standards for dischargers to North Carolina surface waters.

---

Variances Established by North Carolina

• Dean Pickle-Faison Plant, Permit Number NC 00019702, chloride

• Mount Olive Pickle Company, Permit Number NC 0001074, chloride

---

Federally Proposed or Promulgated Standards

• None at this time.