2005 Idaho Code - 39-3603 — GENERAL WATER QUALITY STANDARD AND ANTIDEGRADATION POLICY

                                  TITLE  39
                              HEALTH AND SAFETY
                                  CHAPTER 36
                                WATER QUALITY
    39-3603.  GENERAL WATER QUALITY STANDARD AND ANTIDEGRADATION POLICY. The
existing instream beneficial uses of each water body and the level of water
quality necessary to protect those uses shall be maintained and protected.
Where the quality of waters exceeds levels necessary to support propagation of
fish, shellfish and wildlife and recreation in and on the water, that quality
shall be maintained unless the department finds, after full satisfaction of
the intergovernmental coordination and public participation provisions of this
chapter, and the department's planning processes, along with appropriate
planning processes of other agencies, that lowering water quality is necessary
to accommodate important economic or social development in the area in which
the waters are located.  In allowing such reductions in water quality, the
department shall assure water quality adequate to protect existing uses fully.