TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load)

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) refers to the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive while still meeting water quality standards. It’s a regulatory process established under the Clean Water Act in the United States to protect water sources from contamination. TMDLs assess the sources of pollution—such as agriculture, urban runoff, and industrial discharge—and set limits on how much of these pollutants can enter the water. This helps ensure that lakes, rivers, and streams remain safe for drinking, recreation, and wildlife while promoting sustainable practices for polluters.