Resolution CONAMA No. 357 providing for the classification of water bodies as well as environmental directives for their framework, conditions and standards for effluent discharge.

This Resolution, consisting of 50 articles divided into six Chapters, provides for the classification, environmental guidelines and surface water bodies, as well as establishes the conditions and standards for effluent discharge. The quality standards set by this Resolution establish individual limits for each substance within a given class. Possible interaction between substances, specified or not by this Resolution, cannot confer water characteristics that can lead to lethal effects, affect reproduction of life physiognomy, as well as restrict the foreseen preponderant uses. Water quality parameters aimed at the substantiation of the framework proposal must be regularly monitored by the Public Powers. The Resolution is divided as follows: Definitions (Chap. I); Classification of Water Bodies (Chap. II); Water Quality Condition and Standards (Chap. III); Conditions and Standards for Effluents Discharge (Chap. IV); Water Environment Framework Guidelines (Chap. V); Final and Transitional Provisions (Chap. VI).