Surface Water Quality Bureau
Water Quality Standards
Outstanding National
Resource Waters

ONRWs receive the highest level of protection under the New Mexico's Water Quality Standards.  This designation now protects

	all surface waters within the Valle Vidal; and
	perennial rivers and streams, 29 lakes, waters and approximately 6,000 acres of wetlands within U.S. Forest Service Wilderness Areas.

RECENT DESIGNATIONS

The Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) approved the statewide designation of wilderness waters on December 15, 2010. The designation includes 29 lakes, 192 perennial streams, and approximately 6,000 acres of wetlands.

The water is a significant attribute of special trout waters, national or state park, national or state monument, national or state wildlife refuge or designated wilderness area, or is part of a designated wild river under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; or

The water has exceptional recreational or ecological significance; or

The existing water quality is equal to or better than the numeric criteria for protection of aquatic life uses, recreational uses, and human health uses, and the water has not been significantly modified by human activities in a manner that substantially detracts from its value as a natural resource.