Water Quality Standards

In November 2000, the Kalispel Tribe submitted an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Treatment in a Manner Similar to a State Status (TAS) within Sections 303(c) and 401 of the Clean Water Act. Tribes with this status are eligible to run their own water quality standards programs. Without this status, the Clean Water Act applies to waters in Indian Country but applicable duties are handled by the EPA. In November 2002, the Kalispel Tribe received TAS status, so state water quality standards do not apply to reservation waters.

In March 2003, the Kalispel Tribe submitted tribally adopted water quality standards for final EPA review. The tribe’s standards were approved on June 24, 2004 and are available through the link below. Waters adjoining and near the Kalispel Indian Reservation are managed by Washington and Idaho. Links to their standards are at bottom of the page.

• Tribal Water Quality Standards
• Idaho Water Quality Standards
• Washington Water Quality Standards