(1) The purpose of this chapter is to establish water quality standards for surface waters of the state of Washington consistent with public health and public enjoyment of the waters and the propagation and protection of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, pursuant to the provisions of chapter 90.48 RCW. All actions must comply with this chapter. As part of this chapter:

(a) All surface waters are protected by numeric and narrative criteria, designated uses, and an antidegradation policy.

(b) Based on the use designations, numeric and narrative criteria are assigned to a water body to protect the existing and designated uses.

(c) Where multiple criteria for the same water quality parameter are assigned to a water body to protect different uses, the most stringent criteria for each parameter is to be applied.

(2) Surface waters of the state include lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, inland waters, saltwaters, wetlands, and all other surface waters and water courses within the jurisdiction of the state of Washington.

(3) This chapter will be reviewed periodically by the department and appropriate revisions will be undertaken.

(4) WAC 173-201A-200 through 173-201A-260 and 173-201A-600 through 173-201A-612 describe the designated water uses and criteria for the state of Washington. These criteria were established based on existing and potential water uses of the surface waters of the state. Consideration was also given to both the natural water quality potential and its limitations. Compliance with the surface water quality standards of the state of Washington requires compliance with chapter 173-201A WAC, Water quality standards for surface waters of the state of Washington, chapter 173-204 WAC, Sediment management standards, and applicable federal rules.