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HomeWater CodeDiv. 7Ch. 4Art. 3§ 13241 Water Quality Objectives

§ 13241 Water Quality Objectives

Water Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 13241 Water Quality Objectives

Key Takeaways

  • •Local water boards set rules to keep water clean enough for safe and useful purposes, like drinking or swimming.
  • •They think about how water is used now and might be used in the future.
  • •They consider things like nature, money, and housing needs when making these rules.
  • •The goal is to keep water good enough so it doesn’t cause problems, even if it’s not perfect.

Example

A town wants to build new houses near a lake where people fish and swim.

The local water board will check if the lake’s water is clean enough for fishing and swimming. They’ll think about how the new houses might affect the water, like if more pollution could get into the lake. They’ll also think about how much it will cost to keep the water clean and if there’s a way to use recycled water for the new houses. If the water gets too dirty, they’ll make rules to keep it safe for people and fish.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 13241 Water Quality Objectives

Each regional board shall establish such water quality objectives in water quality control plans as in its judgment will ensure the reasonable protection of beneficial uses and the prevention of nuisance; however, it is recognized that it may be possible for the quality of water to be changed to some degree without unreasonably affecting beneficial uses. Factors to be considered by a regional board in establishing water quality objectives shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following: (a) Past, present, and probable future beneficial uses of water. (b) Environmental characteristics of the hydrographic unit under consideration, including the quality of water available thereto. (c) Water quality conditions that could reasonably be achieved through the coordinated control of all factors which affect water quality in the area. (d) Economic considerations. (e) The need for developing housing within the region. (f) The need to develop and use recycled water. (Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 187, Sec. 2.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

water quality objectivesbeneficial useswater quality control plansregional boardrecycled water

Related Statutes

  • § 13240 Regional Water Quality Plans
  • § 13263 Discharge Water Quality Requirements
  • § 13242 Water Quality Implementation Plan
  • § 13243 Waste Discharge Restrictions
  • § 13245 Regional Water Plan Approval

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Water Code. Section 13241.
View Official Source