The Department of Natural Resources says they want to know what people are using different waterways for, so they can set water quality standards. Department spokeswoman Rene Bungard says right now the department is taking comment on 380 waterways, all over the state.
In order to set water quality standards for waterways like creeks and streams  Bungard says people need to report which waterways they use for swimming. The highest water quality standard for recreational use is called whole body contact, and that’s water clean enough to swim in.If water is too shallow to swim in or people can’t use it for swimming, it can be held to a slightly lower standard.
Bungard says the department will take comment online or through mail.
