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Every two years, the Minnesota Pollution Control <br />Agency creates a list of impaired waters (see map W-4) <br />that do not meet water quality standards. According to <br />the federal Clean Water Act, water quality standards <br />consist of the following categories: <br />• Beneficial uses: Identify how people, aquatic <br />communities, and wildlife use our waters <br />• Numeric standards: Amounts of specific <br />pollutants allowed in a body of water while <br />maintaining beneficial uses <br />• Narrative standards: Statements of <br />unacceptable conditions in and on the water <br />• Antidegradation protections: Extra protection <br />for high -quality or unique waters and existing <br />uses <br />In 2018, two lakes in Hennepin County are currently <br />slated to be removed from the Impaired Waters List — <br />Bryant Lake and Mitchell Lake. Both were on the list for <br />nutrient impairments, but restoration activities have <br />improved water quality to the point that they are <br />consistently meeting water quality standards for their <br />size and depth. In addition, Lake Rebecca (listed for <br />nutrient impairments) is also being considered for <br />delisting in 2018, but the data was not compiled in time <br />for the initial review. <br />Since 2010, nine other lakes and streams have been <br />delisted in Hennepin County, which is an important <br />indicator that conservation work based on TMDLs is <br />having a measurable positive impact on water quality. <br />TMDLs in Hennepin County <br />Hennepin County staff serve on technical advisory <br />committees that develop total maximum daily load <br />(TMDL) plans for impaired waters. Currently, there are <br />21 approved TMDLs in Hennepin County (16 entirely <br />within the county, one statewide, one metrowide, and <br />five in basins that are shared with other counties). <br />10 <br />