Total Maximum Daily Load
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English
TMDL is the calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed to enter a waterbody so that the waterbody will meet and continue to meet water quality standards for that particular pollutant. A TMDL determines a pollutant reduction target and allocates load reductions necessary to the source(s) of the pollutant.
Alternate terms: TMDL (total maximum daily load, TMDL (pollution)
Publications
Total Maximum Daily Loads and Agricultural BMPs in Florida
Kati W. Migliaccio, Kelly T. Morgan, Brian J. Boman, Sandra M. Guzmán, Haimanote K. Bayabil, andBrian Boman
Water Quality Notes: What are concentrations and loads, and why do they matter?
Alexander J. Reisinger, Andrea Albertin, Eban Bean, Ashley Smyth, andP. Christopher Wilson
Water quality is a broad term used to describe a range of physical, chemical, and/or biological characteristics of water. Many different factors contribute to water quality. The decision of whether the quality of a given water body is good or bad, whether it is acceptable or unacceptable, varies from place to place and depends on the intended use of that water body. In Florida, water quality criteria have been established for six different types of water bodies, and these criteria vary by the use of each water body type. This publication defines general terminology and approaches used to describe water quality. It is targeted towards individuals who have an interest in water quality issues but may not have training in the specific details of these issues. Ultimately, this publication will allow the reader to have a deeper understanding of specific water quality issues and regulations.