General narrative criteria

(a) Minerals. Increased mineralization from elements such as, but not limited to, calcium, magnesium, sodium and their associated anions shall not impair any beneficial use. Derivations of certain historic concentrations can be found in Appendix F of this Chapter. (b) Solids (suspended and/or settleable). The surface waters of the state shall be maintained so as to be essentially free of floating debris, bottom deposits, scum, foam and other materials, including suspended substances of a persistent nature, from other than natural sources. (c) Taste and odor. Taste and odor producing substances from other than natural origin shall not interfere with the production of a potable water supply by modern treatment methods or produce 12 abnormal flavors, colors, tastes and odors in fish flesh or other edible wildlife, or result in offensive odors in the vicinity of the water, or otherwise impair any beneficial use. (d) Nutrients. Nutrients from point source discharges or other sources shall not cause excessive growth of periphyton, phytoplankton, or aquatic macrophyte communities which impairs any existing or designated beneficial use.