What do Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) include?

Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) are designated by state environmental agencies to provide special protection to particularly valuable water resources due to their significance for maintaining water quality and ecological integrity. This designation is typically applied to various types of water bodies that are essential for preserving local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Lakes greater than forty acres and the Atlantic Ocean are classified as ORW because they have high ecological, recreational, or aesthetic value. These larger bodies of water often support diverse wildlife and play a critical role in the ecological health of surrounding areas. Their size and the fact that they are part of larger ecosystems contribute to their designation as outstanding resource waters, helping to ensure they remain protected from harmful pollutants and degradation.

The other options do not encompass the full criteria or range of water bodies recognized under the ORW classification. For example, lakes smaller than forty acres may not typically meet the criteria for exceptional resource protection because they may not have the same ecosystem significance as larger lakes or oceans. Similarly, Shellfish Harvesting Waters are important but are not the only type of resource covered under ORW protections. Lastly, labeling all freshwater bodies as ORW oversimplifies the designation, as only specific, significant bodies of water qualify for this status.