​The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that States review their water quality standards every three years (Triennial Review) and revise the standards as necessary. Changes to the Water Quality Standards are implemented through regulatory changes which are subject to the normal regulation promulgation process. The Triennial Review includes a robust public participation process prior to adoption of new or revised regulations. This process generally includes an early notice indicating which standards the Department is considering for revision and solicitation of comments followed later by a more formal public comment period during which a hearing takes place (the formal comment period and hearing are required). Comments are incorporated and/or responded to in what becomes a public document as part of the Triennial Review package that EPA reviews. The table below​ provides links to the most recent of Maryland’s Triennial Reviews of Water Quali​ty Standards​.