# 40 CFR § 131.4: State authority

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.4

## Section

- **Citation:** 40 CFR § 131.4
- **Heading:** State authority
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 40—Protection of Environment > CHAPTER I—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY > SUBCHAPTER D—WATER PROGRAMS > PART 131—WATER QUALITY STANDARDS > Subpart A—General Provisions

## Text

(a) States (as defined in § 131.3) are responsible for reviewing, establishing, and revising water quality standards. As recognized by section 510 of the Clean Water Act, States may develop water quality standards more stringent than required by this regulation. Consistent with section 101(g) and 518(a) of the Clean Water Act, water quality standards shall not be construed to supersede or abrogate rights to quantities of water.
(b) States (as defined in § 131.3) may issue certifications pursuant to the requirements of Clean Water Act section 401. Revisions adopted by States shall be applicable for use in issuing State certifications consistent with the provisions of § 131.21(c).
(c) Where EPA determines that a Tribe is eligible to the same extent as a State for purposes of water quality standards, the Tribe likewise is eligible to the same extent as a State for purposes of certifications conducted under Clean Water Act section 401.
[56 FR 64893, Dec. 12, 1991, as amended at 59 FR 64344, Dec. 14, 1994]

## Nearby sections

- [40 CFR § 131.1 § 131.1 Scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.1.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.2 § 131.2 Purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.2.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.3 § 131.3 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.3.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.4 § 131.4 State authority.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.4.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.5 § 131.5 EPA authority.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.5.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.6 § 131.6 Minimum requirements for water quality standards submission.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.6.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.7 § 131.7 Dispute resolution mechanism.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.7.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.8 § 131.8 Requirements for Indian Tribes to administer a water quality standards program.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.8.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.9 § 131.9 Protection of Tribal reserved rights.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.9.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.10 § 131.10 Designation of uses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.10.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.11 § 131.11 Criteria.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.11.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.12 § 131.12 Antidegradation policy and implementation methods.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.12.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.13 § 131.13 General policies.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.13.md)
- [40 CFR § 131.14 § 131.14 Water quality standards variances.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-40-131.4. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.