Use Assessment Procedures

The first step in assessing whether a waterbody is supporting its uses is to determine if monitored parameters are meeting water quality criteria. 

If any parameter measured in a waterbody is not meeting criteria protective of a designated use, then that waterbody will be categorized as impaired or “not supporting” its use. 

• Assessed - data allows for determination of impairment or attainment

• • Not Supporting - Parameter is cause of waterbody impairment 

• • Fully Supporting - Parameter data meets water quality standards 

• Not Assessed - waterbody not assessed for a particular designated use

• Insufficient Data - too few data, unclear determination of impairment or attainment

• Unassessed - no data available

Waters are placed in one of the five Overall Integrated Report Categories based on their level of designated use support. 

Overall Integrated Report Categories for West Virginia Waters

To learn about how Overall Integrated Report Categories are assigned, the Use Assessment Procedures section of the 2024 Integrated Report.