NAC445A.122. Standards applicable to beneficial uses.

     1. The following standards are intended to protect both existing and designated beneficial uses and must not be used to prohibit the use of the water as authorized under title 48 of NRS:

     (a) Watering of livestock. The water must be suitable for the watering of livestock without treatment.

     (b) Irrigation. The water must be suitable for irrigation without treatment.

     (c) Aquatic life. The water must be suitable as a habitat for fish and other aquatic life existing in a body of water. This does not preclude the reestablishment of other fish or aquatic life.

     (d) Recreation involving contact with the water. There must be no evidence of man-made pollution, floating debris, sludge accumulation or similar pollutants.

     (e) Recreation not involving contact with the water. The water must be free from:

          (1) Visible floating, suspended or settled solids arising from human activities;

          (2) Sludge banks;

          (3) Slime infestation;

          (4) Heavy growth of attached plants, blooms or high concentrations of plankton, discoloration or excessive acidity or alkalinity that leads to corrosion of boats and docks;

          (5) Surfactants that foam when the water is agitated or aerated; and

          (6) Excessive water temperatures.

     (f) Municipal or domestic supply. The water must be capable of being treated by conventional methods of water treatment in order to comply with Nevada’s drinking water standards.

     (g) Industrial supply. The water must be treatable to provide a quality of water which is suitable for the intended use.

     (h) Propagation of wildlife. The water must be suitable for the propagation of wildlife and waterfowl without treatment.

     (i) Waters of extraordinary ecological or aesthetic value. The unique ecological or aesthetic value of the water must be maintained.

     (j) Enhancement of water quality. The water must support natural enhancement or improvement of water quality in any water which is downstream.

     2. This section does not entitle an appropriator to require that the source meet his or her particular requirements for water quality.

     [Environmental Comm’n, Water Pollution Control Reg. § 4.1.1, eff. 5-2-78]—(NAC A 11-22-82; 12-3-84; 11-9-95)