Section 58.01.02.100 - SURFACE WATER USE DESIGNATIONSWaterbodies are designated in Idaho to protect water quality for existing or designated uses. The designated use of a waterbody does not imply any rights to access or ability to conduct any activity related to the use designation, nor does it imply that an activity is safe. For example, a designation of primary or secondary contact recreation may occur in areas where it is unsafe to enter the water due to water flows, depth or other hazardous conditions. Another example is that aquatic life uses may be designated in areas that are closed to fishing or access is not allowed by property owners. Wherever attainable, the designated beneficial uses for which the surface waters of the state are to be protected include:
01.Aquatic Life. a. Cold water (COLD): water quality appropriate for the protection and maintenance of a viable aquatic life community for cold water species.b. Salmonid spawning (SS): waters which provide or could provide a habitat for active self-propagating populations of salmonid fishes.c. Seasonal cold water (SC): water quality appropriate for the protection and maintenance of a viable aquatic life community of cool and cold water species, where cold water aquatic life may be absent during, or tolerant of, seasonally warm temperatures.d. Warm water (WARM): water quality appropriate for the protection and maintenance of a viable aquatic life community for warm water species.e. Modified (MOD): water quality appropriate for an aquatic life community that is limited due to one (1) or more conditions set forth in 40 CFR 131.10(g) which preclude attainment of reference streams or conditions.02.Recreation.a. Primary contact recreation (PCR): water quality appropriate for prolonged and intimate contact by humans or for recreational activities when the ingestion of small quantities of water is likely to occur. Such activities include, but are not restricted to, those used for swimming, water skiing, or skin diving. Effective for CWA purposes until the date EPA issues written notification that the revisions in Docket No. 58-0102-1802 have been approved. |
a. Primary contact recreation (PCR): water quality appropriate for prolonged and intimate contact by humans or for recreational activities when the ingestion of small quantities of water is likely to occur. Such activities include, but are not restricted to, those used for swimming, water skiing, or skin diving. PCR includes all activities associated with secondary contact recreation (SCR). Not effective for CWA purposes until the date EPA issues written notification that the revisions in Docket No. 58-0102-1802 have been approved. |
b. Secondary contact recreation (SCR): water quality appropriate for recreational uses on or about the water and which are not included in the primary contact category. These activities may include fishing, boating, wading, infrequent swimming, and other activities where ingestion of raw water is not likely to occur.03.Water Supply. a. Domestic (DWS): water quality appropriate for use as untreated raw water (as defined under IDAPA 58.01.08, "Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems") for public drinking water.b. Agricultural: water quality appropriate for the irrigation of crops or as drinking water for livestock. This use applies to all surface waters of the state.c. Industrial: water quality appropriate for industrial water supplies. This use applies to all surface waters of the state.04.Wildlife Habitats. Water quality appropriate for wildlife habitats. This use applies to all surface waters of the state.05.Aesthetics. This use applies to all surface waters of the state.Idaho Admin. Code r. 58.01.02.100