---
title: TMDLs — Total Maximum Daily Loads
description: "## Summary A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a regulatory tool that sets the maximum amount of a pollutant a waterway can receive and still meet water quality standards. TMDLs are relevant to AMD-impacted watersheds and affect restoration planning,…"
url: "https://aml-connect.org/aml-knowledge-base/tmdls-total-maximum-daily-loads/"
updated: "2026-03-13"
category: Watershed Tools and Methods / Assessing the Watershed / Restoration Planning
---

# TMDLs — Total Maximum Daily Loads

## Summary

A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a regulatory tool that sets the maximum amount of a pollutant a waterway can receive and still meet water quality standards. TMDLs are relevant to AMD-impacted watersheds and affect restoration planning, permitting, and funding priorities.

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[Overview of Current Total Maximum Daily Load - TMDL - Program and Regulations](http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/overviewfs.html) on  EPA Website

[WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND TMDLs Fact Sheet](http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/subject/pubs/water/wc/FS2248.pdf)  PA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

[PA DEP's Main TMDL Page... links to individual TMDL's](http://www.dep.state.pa.us/watermanagement_apps/tmdl/default.asp)

[Georgia Legal Watch TMDL Links](http://www.georgialegalwatch.org/glw%20web%20pages/html/tmdllinks.htm)

---

## Related Pages

- [Restoration Planning](/docs/restoration-planning) -- Developing your cleanup plan
- [AMD is Nonpoint Source Pollution](/docs/amd-is-nonpoint-source-pollution-nps) (AML Basics)
- [Report AMD Discharges](/docs/report-amd-discharges) -- Documenting discharge sites

## Source and Last Reviewed

Source: AMR Clearinghouse (amrclearinghouse.org). Migrated to AML-Connect. Last Reviewed: 2026-03-13.

**Tags:** policy, assessment, planning, practitioner