Section 20. Ground water standards; general requirements

Except where otherwise specified, ground water quality standards shall apply statewide and shall apply to all ground water occurring at and below the uppermost seasonal limits of the water table. In order to prevent the entry of pollutants into ground water occurring in any aquifer, a soil zone or alternate protective measure or device sufficient to preserve and protect present and anticipated uses of ground water shall be maintained at all times. Zones for mixing wastes with ground water may be allowed, upon request, but shall be determined on a case-by-case basis and shall be kept as small as possible. It is recognized that natural ground water quality varies from area to area. Virginia is divided into four physiographic provinces, namely the Coastal Plain, Piedmont and Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Cumberland Plateau. See Figure 1. Accordingly, the board has established certain ground water standards specific to each individual physiographic province.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 20, Issue 09, eff. February 12, 2004.

Statutory Authority

§ 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia.