Catalyzes the hydrolytic dehalogenation of small (S)-2-haloalkanoic acids to yield the corresponding (R)-2-hydroxyalkanoic acids (PubMed:1376111). Acts on acids of short chain lengths, C(2) to C(4), with inversion of configuration at C-3 (PubMed:1376111). Active with 2-halogenated carboxylic acids and converts only the S-isomer (or L-isomer) of 2-chloropropionic acid with inversion of configuration to produce R-lactate (or D-isomer) (PubMed:1376111). an (S)-2-haloacid + H2O = a (2R)-2-hydroxycarboxylate + a halide anion + H(+) (S)-2-chloropropanoate + H2O = (R)-lactate + chloride + H(+) (S)-2-haloacid dehalogenases may be used for the biodegradation of halogenated substances and their derivatives which are widely used as pesticides, herbicides and other industrial products. Belongs to the HAD-like hydrolase superfamily. S-2-haloalkanoic acid dehalogenase family.