Perdido River and Bay - Florida Department of Environmental ...

Water Quality Status Report: Perdido River and Bay
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Surface Water Quality Classifications
Florida’s water quality standards, the foundation of the state’s program
of water quality management, designate the “present and future most
beneficial uses” of the waters of the state (Subsection 403.061[10], Florida
Statutes [F.S.]). Water quality criteria for surface water and ground water,
expressed as numeric or narrative limits for specific parameters, describe the
water quality necessary to maintain these uses. Florida’s surface water is
classified using the following five designated use categories:
Class I
Class II
Class III
Class IV
Class V
Potable water supplies
Shellfi sh propagation or harvesting
Recreation, propagation, and maintenance of a healthy,
well-balanced population of fi sh and wildlife
Agricultural water supplies
Navigation, utility, and industrial use (there are no state
waters currently in this class)
All waters within this basin are designated as Class III, suitable for
recreation and propagation and maintenance of fish and wildlife. There
are no class II, shellfish waters, designated within this basin. There are no
open active shellfish harvesting areas.
Special Designations
Outstanding Florida Waters
The waterbodies listed in Table 2.1 have been given additional protection
through designation as Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWs). OFWs
are designated for “special protection due to their natural attributes”
(Section 403.061, F.S.) and have exceptional ecological or recreational
value. These waters are listed in Section 62-302.700, Florida Administrative
Code (F.A.C.). The intent of an OFW designation is to maintain
ambient water quality, even if these designations are more protective than
those required under the waterbody’s surface water classification. Most
OFWs are associated with managed areas in the state or federal park
system, such as aquatic preserves, national seashores, or wildlife refuges.
Waterbodies within the boundaries of Big Lagoon State Recreation Area,
Gulf Island National Seashore, and Perdido Key State Recreation Area are
designated as OFWs. Other OFWs may also be designated as “Special
Waters” based on a finding that the waters are of exceptional recreational
or ecological significance, and are identified as such in Rule 62-302, F.A.C.
The Perdido River was designated an OFW as a special water.
Table 2.1: Outstanding Florida Waters within the Perdido River
and Bay Basin
Waterbody Designated OFW
Date of Designation
Big Lagoon State Recreation Area 12/1/82 and modified in 5/14/86
and 8/8/94
Perdido Key State Recreation Area 12/1/82
Perdido River 1979
Gulf Islands National Seashore 1979