The EPA standard for E. coli at swimming beaches is 235 colonies/100mL of sample water. The Vermont State Standard in Class B waters is 77 colonies/100mL of sample water.

A pH of 7 is considered to be neutral. When the pH is less than 7, it is acidic; a pH greater than 7 is basic. A pH value between 7.0 and 8.0 are optimal for supporting a diverse aquatic ecosystem. Vermont Water Quality Standards require that pH values shall be maintained within the range of 6.5 and 8.5, where both the change and the rate of change in pH values shall be controlled to ensure the full support of the aquatic biota, wildlife, and aquatic habitat uses.

Vermont State Standards do not set a specific temperature range or value. In general, the standards provide that the change or rate of change in temperature, either upward or downward, shall be controlled to ensure full support of aquatic biota, wildlife and aquatic habitat. Prolonged temperatures above 20°C (68°F), for a coldwater fishery like many of the rivers and streams in the West River watershed, are harmful to coldwater fish habitat.

The natural level of ammonia or nitrate in surface water is typically low (less than 1 mg/L); in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants, it can range up to 30 mg/L. The Vermont Water Quality Standard for Class B waters states that N0 3 -N concentrations shall not exceed 5.0 mg/L during certain flow conditions.

There is no Vermont State numerical standard for total phosphorous that can be specifically used to determine compliance in Class B waters. The General Policy states that “in all water, total phosphorous loadings shall be limited so that they will not contribute to the acceleration of eutrophication or the stimulation of the growth of aquatic biota in a manner that prevents the full support of uses.”

There is a Vermont State criteria and guidance on acceptable levels of turbidity, but none found for total suspended solids (TSS). TSS is similar to turbidity with regard to determining water clarity where turbid conditions do correspond to high levels of TSS. However, TSS measured in mg/L and turbidity measured in NTUs, cannot be quantitatively compared.

For more information on Vermont State Standards and Environmental Protection Agency Standards visit the Agency of Natural Resources website.