S.D. Admin. R. 74:54:01:03
The existing and future beneficial uses of groundwater shall be maintained and protected. Waters of the state in which ambient water quality is better than the minimum levels prescribed shall be maintained and protected at the better water quality.
Groundwater which has an ambient concentration of 10,000 mg/L or less total dissolved solids (TDS) is classified as having the beneficial use of drinking water supplies, suitable for human consumption.
If the ambient concentration of any water contaminant in the groundwater is in conformance with the standards in § 74:54:01:04, degradation of the groundwater to the limit of the standards may be permitted as specified in chapter 74:54:02 to accommodate necessary economic or social development upon approval of a water quality variance permit.
No water quality standards may be violated or designated beneficial uses be impaired by the granting of a water quality variance permit allowing degradation of groundwater quality. If the groundwater quality does not meet the standards in § 74:54:01:04 as a result of natural causes or conditions, no degradation of the groundwater beyond the ambient concentration may be allowed.
S.D. Admin. R. 74:54:01:03
General Authority: SDCL 34A-2-11.
Law Implemented: SDCL 34A-2-10, 34A-2-11.