RULES: Beneficial Use Designations 2026 - Early Stakeholder Outreach
Early Stakeholder Outreach — Water Quality Standards Beneficial Use Designations (OAC Chapter 3745-1)
What are beneficial use designations (BUDs)?
BUDs are the water quality goals for lakes, rivers, streams and other water bodies. Designations include such uses as aquatic life habitats (warmwater, coldwater, etc.), recreation (bathing waters, primary contact, secondary contact) and water supplies (public, agricultural, industrial). BUDs are assigned to specific water bodies in Chapter 3745-1 of the OAC. Each of the 23 major drainage basins or watersheds in the state is assigned a rule in Chapter 3745-1.
What changes are being considered?
The Agency is conducting a five-year review of the following rules that address beneficial use designations:
• 3745-1-11 Maumee river drainage basin.
• 3745-1-14 Ashtabula river drainage basin
• 3745-1-24 Muskingum river drainage basin
Three broad types of changes will be considered:
• Changing beneficial use designations for specific water bodies;
• Adding water bodies that are currently undesignated to the rules; and
• Verifying existing beneficial use designations already listed in the rules.
Changes, additions, and verifications of existing beneficial use designations are based upon the findings of biological, habitat, and water quality surveys. Other available pertinent information is also consulted, including information and comments from interested persons.
How can I get more information?
Information is available on the Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water website:
Early Stakeholder Outreach — Water Quality Standards Beneficial Use Designations (OAC Chapter 3745-1)
What are beneficial use designations (BUDs)?
BUDs are the water quality goals for lakes, rivers, streams and other water bodies. Designations include such uses as aquatic life habitats (warmwater, coldwater, etc.), recreation (bathing waters, primary contact, secondary contact) and water supplies (public, agricultural, industrial). BUDs are assigned to specific water bodies in Chapter 3745-1 of the OAC. Each of the 23 major drainage basins or watersheds in the state is assigned a rule in Chapter 3745-1.
What changes are being considered?
The Agency is conducting a five-year review of the following rules that address beneficial use designations:
• 3745-1-11 Maumee river drainage basin.
• 3745-1-14 Ashtabula river drainage basin
• 3745-1-24 Muskingum river drainage basin
Three broad types of changes will be considered:
• Changing beneficial use designations for specific water bodies;
• Adding water bodies that are currently undesignated to the rules; and
• Verifying existing beneficial use designations already listed in the rules.
Changes, additions, and verifications of existing beneficial use designations are based upon the findings of biological, habitat, and water quality surveys. Other available pertinent information is also consulted, including information and comments from interested persons.
How can I get more information?
Information is available on the Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water website:
Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Please submit them below.
Contact
For more information, contact Mariah Hood at Mariah.Hood@epa.ohio.gov or (614) 644-2865.
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