South Dakota’s water quality standards, established in accordance with the 1972 National Clean Water Act, are designed to safeguard both human health and aquatic ecosystems. These standards define designated uses for surface waters through a beneficial use classification system, ensuring that each water body is managed according to its intended purpose. The beneficial use classifications encompass domestic water supply, propagation of coldwater and warmwater fish species, recreational use, fish and wildlife habitat, stock watering, irrigation, and waters designated for commercial and industrial purposes. To uphold these designated uses, South Dakota enforces an Antidegradation Policy (74:51:01:34) to maintain and protect water quality across all state water bodies.
Acknowledgement
Special Acknowledgement to Ms. Shannon Minerich, Environmental Scientist, Surface Water Quality Program, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Dr. Todd Trooien, Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, South Dakota State University, for reviewing and providing feedback on the document.
