Attainment Status
The state of condition of a waterbody as measured by chemical, physical, and biological indicators. Full attainment is the point at which measured indicators signify that a water quality standard has been met and it signifies that the designated use is both attained and protected. Non-attainment is when the designated use is not attained based on one or more of these indicators being below the required condition or state for that measure or parameter.
Criteria
The level of a particular pollutant, physical characteristic, or condition of a biological assemblage presumed to support or protect the designated use or uses of a waterbody. Criteria may be narrative or numeric and are commonly expressed as a chemical concentration, a physical parameter, or a biological assemblage endpoint.
Designated Uses
Those uses specified in state water quality standards (WQS) for each waterbody or segment, whether or not they are being attained.