75-5-902. Findings -- purpose. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) high levels of phosphorus in water bodies results in heavy growths of algae;

(b) excessive algae growth degrades aquatic habitats, decreases diversity in aquatic invertebrate communities, and places stress on native fish populations;

(c) municipal wastewater treatment plants and individual septic systems are sources of phosphorus, an ingredient in many household cleaning products; and

(d) Montana has adopted numeric water quality standards for phosphorus.

(2) Consistent with the policy established in 75-5-101 to conserve water by protecting, maintaining, and improving the quality and potability of water for public water supplies, wildlife, fish and aquatic life, agriculture, industry, recreation, and other beneficial uses, the purpose of this part is to limit the introduction of phosphorus into water bodies from municipal point source discharges or the cumulative effect of individual septic system discharges.