Resolution CONAMA No. 274 defining coastal bathing water criteria for Brazilian Waters.

This Resolution, consisting of 15 articles, defines coastal bathing water criteria for Brazilian Waters. Considering that the classification of fresh, brackish and salt waters is essential to the upholding of quality levels and indicators in order to safeguard water quality; Considering the need to create tools in order to evaluate the evolution of water quality in relation to levels that have been established for swimming in Brazilian waters and thereby create the necessary conditions for primary contact leisure activities; Considering that the National Environment Policy, the National Water Resources Policy and the National Plan for Coastal Management (PNGC) recommend the adoption of systematic evaluation of the environmental quality of water. Good water quality is considered according to the following categories: a) Excellent: when 80% or more of the taken samples contain a maximum of 250 fecal coliforms (thermotolerant) or 200 Escherichia coli or 25 enterococci by l00 milliliters; b) Very good: when 80% or more of the taken samples contain a maximum of 500 fecal coliforms (thermotolerant) or 400 Escherichia coli or 50 enterococci per 100 milliliters; c) Satisfactory: When 80% or more of the taken samples contain a maximum of 1.000 fecal coliforms (thermotolerant) or 800 Escherichia coli or 100 enterococci by 100 milliliters. When more than one microbiological indicator is used the condition of waters will be assessed according to the most restrictive indicator. Standards related to enterococci are only applicable to sea waters.