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Water Programs

Water Programs

Water and Agriculture: Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)

What is a TMDL? A scientific determination of the maximum amount of a given pollutant that a surface water can absorb and still meet the water quality standards that protect human health and aquatic life. Water bodies that do not meet water quality standards are identified as "impaired" for the particular pollutants of concern—nutrients, bacteria, mercury, and more—and TMDLs must be developed, adopted and implemented for those pollutants to reduce pollutants and clean up the water body.

Two men measure water TMDLs on dock over water body

You can learn more about TMDLs at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's website.

EDIS Publications