In 1973, New York passed the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES). SPDES is a system in which the State gives permits to facilities to discharge wastes into waterbodies. The idea is that water can have some amount of pollution, but that the amount and types of pollutants need to be regulated. Water used for drinking will have higher standards than water used for swimming. The NY Department of Environmental Conservation determines what level of cleanliness a waterbody needs and, based on that standard, gives out permits that regulate the amount, and type, of pollutants discharged into the water. SPDES permits are needed for facilities discharging sanitary, industrial and commercial wastewaters.
Data Source: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation