Drinking water reservoirs are designated differently from areas for public swimming and water bodies intended for fishing are designated differently from water located in wildlife conservation areas. The size of the water body also is taken into consideration when TMDL calculating is undertaken. The larger the body of water, the greater the amounts of contaminants can be present and still maintain a margin of safety.
Reservoirs used for drinking water, swimming areas, fishing spots, and wildlife conservation zones are designated differently. The size of the water body is also a factor in TMDL calculations. Larger bodies of water can tolerate higher levels of contaminants before posing a risk.