N.M. Code R. § 20.6.2.3101 – Purpose

A. The purpose of Sections 20.6.2.3000 through 20.6.2.3114 NMAC controlling discharges onto or below the surface of the ground is to protect all ground water of the state of New Mexico which has an existing concentration of 10,000 mg/l or less TDS, for present and potential future use as domestic and agricultural water supply, and to protect those segments of surface waters which are gaining because of ground water inflow, for uses designated in the New Mexico Water Quality Standards. Sections 20.6.2.3000 through 20.6.2.3114 NMAC are written so that in general:
1. (1) if the existing concentration of any water contaminant in ground water is in conformance with the standard of 20.6.2.3103 NMAC, degradation of the ground water up to the limit of the standard will be allowed; and
2. (2) if the existing concentration of any water contaminant in ground water exceeds the standard of Section 20.6.2.3103 NMAC, no degradation of the ground water beyond the existing concentration will be allowed.
B. Ground water standards are numbers that represent the pH range and maximum concentrations of water contaminants in the ground water which still allow for the present and future use of ground water resources.
C. The standards are not intended as maximum ranges and concentrations for use, and nothing herein contained shall be construed as limiting the use of waters containing higher ranges and concentrations.
[2-18-77; 20.6.2.3101 NMAC - Rn, 20 NMAC 6.2.III.3101, 1-15-01]
20.6.2.3102: [RESERVED]
[12-1-95; 20.6.2.3102 NMAC - Rn, 20 NMAC 6.2.III.3102, 1-15-01]