15A NCAC 02L .0201. GROUNDWATER CLASSIFICATIONS

The classifications which may be assigned to the groundwaters will be those specified in the following series of classifications:

(1)           Class GA groundwaters; usage and occurrence:

(a)           Best Usage.  Existing or potential source of drinking water supply for humans.

(b)           Conditions Related to Best Usage.  This class is intended for those groundwaters in which chloride concentrations are equal to or less than 250 mg/l, and which are considered suitable for drinking in their natural state, but which may require treatment to improve quality related to natural conditions.

(c)           Occurrence.  In the saturated zone.

(2)           Class GSA groundwaters; usage and occurrence:

(a)           Best Usage.  Existing or potential source of water supply for potable mineral water and conversion to fresh waters.

(b)           Conditions Related to Best Usage.  This class is intended for those groundwaters in which the chloride concentrations due to natural conditions is in excess of 250 mg/l, but which otherwise may be considered suitable for use as potable water after treatment to reduce concentrations of naturally occurring substances.

(c)           Occurrence.  In the saturated zone.

(3)           Class GC groundwaters: usage and occurrence:

(a)           Best Usage.  The best usage of GC groundwaters is as a source of water supply for purposes other than drinking, including other domestic uses by humans.

(b)           Conditions Related to Best Usage.  This class includes those groundwaters that do not meet the quality criteria for GA or GSA groundwaters and for which efforts to improve groundwater quality would not be technologically feasible, or not in the best interest of the public.  Continued consumption of waters of this class by humans could result in adverse health affects.

(c)           Occurrence.  Groundwaters of this class may be defined by the Commission pursuant to Section .0300 of this Subchapter on a case by case basis.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143‑214.1; 143B‑282(2);

Eff. June 10, 1979;

Amended Eff. October 1, 1993; August 1, 1989; September 1, 1984; December 30, 1983.