Ag panel to delve into nitrates in San Joaquin Valley groundwater

Farmers and ranchers are invited to two panel discussions later this month about how agriculture can reduce the amount of nitrates in the eastern San Joaquin River Watershed.

The discussions will be held Jan. 21 and 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. both in person and online.

Panel experts will cover questions by the Water Board including setting nitrogen-related limitations on farmers in order to protect groundwater quality; methods used to measure nitrogen and comparing water quality issues between smaller and larger farmers.

Following the discussions, the panel will prepare a report, which will be made available for public review before heading to the Water Board.

Interested persons must register for the Jan. 21 meeting or  the Jan. 29 meeting individually.

High levels of nitrate, a type of salt, are found in groundwater throughout California’s Central Valley. Nitrates come from a variety of sources, including septic tanks, some manufacturing process and, primarily, from fertilizers applied to farmland.

Nitrate contamination can be lethal to newborns, causing what’s commonly known as “blue baby syndrome.” Some studies have also found a link between long-term nitrate exposure and some types of cancer.

In 2021 the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board created nitrate management zones to help families with contaminated wells. Organizations in each zone, which are funded by nitrate polluters,  provide free drinking water for residents with excessive nitrate levels.

An interactive state website at https://www.cvsalinity.org/nitrate-program/find-your-management-zone/  helps residents find which zone they’re in, plus the name and contact information for organizations that can help with drinking water.