Impaired Waters

Impaired waters are bodies of water that do not meet quality standards for safety, health, or ecological health determined by regulatory agencies. This can be due to pollution, such as chemicals, waste, or excess nutrients, or physical changes like altered flow or habitat destruction. When waters are impaired, they may be unsafe for swimming, fishing, or supporting healthy ecosystems. Identifying impaired waters helps authorities take action to reduce pollution and restore water quality, ensuring safer and healthier environments for people, animals, and plants.