The TMDL is designed to ensure that all pollution control measures needed to fully restore the Bay and its tidal rivers are in place by 2025. Part of the TMDL consists of Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs), which propose how allowable nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment loads should be distributed among sources and describe the management steps necessary to meet water quality standards. By 2025, Maryland achieved 100% of the reduction goal for phosphorus and sediment and just 99% for nitrogen. Under the updated 2025 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, any pollution reduction targets that were not met by 2025 would have until 2030. Additionally, new targets will be established by 2030 to be met by 2040. While this is great progress for Maryland, there is still work to be done to reduce pollution.

Maryland has completed the three phases of the Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPS) mandated by the TMDL. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is continuing to track milestones every two years towards protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. The State will look to the updated Watershed Agreement for the next steps towards meeting four broad goals: clean water, healthy landscapes, engaged communities, and thriving habitat, fisheries, and wildlife. By the end of 2030, there will either be new or amended WIPS to address the nutrient and sediment requirements of the clean water goal.